Association of -308G/A TNFα gene polymorphism with reduced risk of idiopathic infertility in men

Infertility is one of the major health problems in the world and several factors play a role in the occurrence of this complication. One of the causes of idiopathic male infertility is a defect in the process of spermatogenesis due to genetic changes in cytokines involved in this process. Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFα) as a multifunctional cytokine controls spermatogenesis-related cellular activity. In this study, the association of -308G/A polymorphism in the TNFα gene with male infertility was investigated.

In a case-control study, blood samples were collected from 82 infertile men and 107 fertile men. After DNA extraction, the genotype of the samples at the -308G/A region was determined using the PCR-RFLP technique.

Data analysis showed a significant association between GA genotype and reduced risk of male infertility. Also, in the subgroup study, a significant association was observed between this genotype and the reduction of oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia risk. Similar results were found for the association of carriers of allele A (GA + AA) and idiopathic male infertility. In addition, the allelic analysis showed a significant association between allele and a reduced risk of idiopathic male infertility. Subgroup analysis showed a significant association between this allele and reduced risk of asthenozoospermia, also.

Based on findings of this research, the TNFα -308G/A polymorphism can be considered as a protective factor and a potential biomarker for idiopathic male infertility.