P-114: Evaluation of GSTM1 Null Allele in Infertile Men with Varicocele

Background Varicocele is the abnormal inflexion and distension of veins of the pampiniform plexus within spermatic cord and is the most common and correctable known risk factor for male infertility. Varicoceles are found in approximately 40% of infertile men, whereas the incidence in the general male population is approximately 15%. Some studies suggest that varicocele is associated with elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in sperm and reduced seminal plasma oxidant capacity. It has been postulated that human semen contains a significant amount of glutathione S-transferase (GST)and that the enzyme could attenuate the toxicity of ROS to sperm. The GST gene family produces isoenzyme that is important in protection against oxidative stress and an increase of ROS associated with reduced activity of GST may lead to sperm membrane damage. Our objective was to investigate the genetic polymorphism of the glutathione S-transferase M1 gene (GSTM1) and to assess the oxidative damage in Iranian infertile men with varicoceles. This study was performed on 35 patients with varicocele and 58 control subjects. MaterialsAndMethods Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of both group. Genotyping was performed via Multiplex PCR and Statistical Analyses were performed using MedCalc software.0�h Results The frequency of GSTM1 null (-) genotype was observed to be 22.85% in infertile men with varicocele as against 5.17% in fertile men. Association (OR= 5.43, P=0.026, 95% CI=1.33-22.13) between GSTM1 null (-) genotype and varicocele- induced infertility was confirmed, overall.E Conclusion GSTM1 null (-) genotype may be an important contributor factor in infertile men with varicocele. Larger population-based studies are needed to determine the relation between this deletion and varicocele-associated infertility.