Determination of Y Chromosome Microdeletions in Infertile Men at The Cukurova Region in Turkey

Purpose:Y Chromosome infertility is inherited in a Y-linked manner. Three different regions have been mapped on the long arm of the Y chromosome, named Azoospermic Factor (AZFa, AZFb and AZFc) are involved in the control of spermatogenesis. Microdeletions in these gene loci may result in azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia. The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence of Y chromosomal microdeletions in infertile men at the Cukurova Region in Turkey. Material and Methods: We evaluated the frequency of Y chromosome deletions in 63 infertile men (38 azoospermic and 25 severe oligozoospermic) and 10 fertile men as a control group by using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyis. Plasma hormone concentrations of all patients including FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin and leptin were measured by radioimmunoassay Results: Microdeletion frequency detected in all cases was 6.3% (4/63). The values for azoospermic group and severe oligozoospermic group were 7.8% (3/38) and 4% (1/25) respectively. Deletions were found at AZFb, AZFc and proximal AZFc/d regions in infertile group. However, no microdeletions were detected at the AZFa region. No deletions were found in the control group. FSH and LH levels were significantly elevated in azoospermic group than control and severe oligozoospermic groups (p:0.000). Prolactin levels were significantly elevated in azoospermic group than control group (p:0.000). Conclusion:Detection of Y Chromosome deletions in infertile males in routine clinical diagnosis may suitable for counseling prior to assisted reproduction. [Cukurova Med J 2013; 38(4.000): 723-733]