The Study of Nitric Oxide Synthase 3 (NOS3) T-786C and 4a4b Gene Polymorphism in Iranian Men with Varicocele

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Varicocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility. Varicocele is an abnormal dilatation and tortuosity of veins of the pampiniform plexus, which drain the testis. Studies have shown that elevated level of oxidative stress markers, such as nitric oxide (NO) in the dilated veins of patients with varicocele impair testicular function. The aim of this study, was to investigate the relationship between nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3), T-786C, and 4a4b gene polymorphism as a common genetic factor with the risk of varicocele in Iranian men. Methods: The association of NOS3 T-786C and 4a4b gene polymorphisms in 60 Iranian men with varicocele and 61 control samples, were investigated using Multiplex-ARMS PCR and conventional PCR techniques. Data were statistically analyzed by t-test at the significance level of p<0.05. Results: The results revealed that among 60men with varicocele, 95% had -786 TTgenotype, 3.3% had heterozygotic genotype T-786C, and 1.6%, were CC in T-786C polymorphism. In addition, just 5% were heterozygote (ab) in 4a4b polymorphism and 95% had wild type genotype (aa), which was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In this study, the majority of individuals had wild-type genotypes TT and aa in T-786C and 4a4b polymorphisms, respectively. According to this data, no significant differences were found between NOS3 gene T-786C and 4a4b polymorphisms in the individuals with varicocele. It is worth noting that further studies should be performed to confirm these findings

Keywords

• male infertility
• varicocele
• nitric oxide synthase 3
• polymorphism
• multiplex pcr