FAS and FASL genes polymorphisms and their relationship with the incidence of severe oligozoospermia in a sample of Iraqi patients.

Abstract

The interaction between Fas and FasL plays an important role in triggering the apoptotic pathway. Both Fas and FasL exist as membrane bound and soluble forms. It is suggested that Fas may be a marker of overall apoptosis triggering, at the same time regulating apoptosis by competing with the cell surface receptor. The aim of the present study was to detect the FAS and FASL gene polymorphisms and to demonstrate their relationship with incidence of severe oligozoospermia in a sample of Iraqi patients. Following semen analysis, blood samples were collected from severe oligozoospemic patients (n=50) and normozoospermic subjects (control, n=50). DNA was extracted using DNA extraction Kit (Geneaid Biotech). The genotypes of FAS (-670G/A) and FASLG (-844T/C) were determined by using Taqman (RT-PCR) Kit ( WizPure™  qPCR  Master (  PROBE) , south Koria). The results of the present study, as related with Fas -670G to A SNP, indicated that the frequencies of both GA and AA genotypes were significantly (p<0.01) higher in severe oligozoospermia group than in normozoospermia group (30% versus 20% and 60% versus 0%, respectively). Also, as related with FasL -844C to T SNP, the frequencies of both CT and TT genotypes were significantly (p<0.01) higher in severe oligozoospermia group than in normozoospermia group (38% versus 16% and 50% versus 0%, respectively).  In conclusion, there was an A allele-related risk factor for Fas -670G to A SNP and T allele-related risk factor for FasL -844C to T SNP with the incidence of severe oligozoospermia in Iraqi patients.