Comparative Study of PRMT1 and MAPK14 Genes Expression in Healthy and Oligospermic Individuals

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Male infertility is a complex disorder that affects a large portion of the male population. However, the causes of infertility are mainly unknown. Proper and complete implementation of spermatogenesis requires the expression of many genes. So, stopping or disrupting the expression of any of them may lead to blocking or upsetting the process of spermatogenesis. Identification of such genes and evaluation of their function provides valuable information about the role of these genes in adult spermatogenesis. The present study investigated the expression of PRMT1 and MAPK14 genes in healthy and oligospermic individuals. Methods: Semen samples of normal sperm and oligospermia were collected according to WHO standards from individuals referring to Qom University, Jihad Infertility Treatment Center, after obtaining their consent. Semen samples were assessed regarding the expression of PRMT1 and MAPK14 genes in normal and oligospermic groups using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The data obtained were analyzed with the independent t test using PRISM software. The significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: The study on cDNA from normal sperm and oligospermic individuals showed that the expression of the PRMT1 gene in oligospermic individuals increased 3.989 times compared to the control group, but the MAPK14 gene did not change significantly. Conclusion: Increased expression of the PRMT1 gene in oligospermic individuals increases the process of apoptosis and ultimately reduces the number of healthy sperms.

Keywords

• oligospermia
• prmt1
• mitogen-activated protein kinase 14
• infertility
• men
• apoptosis