Detection of Partial AZFc Microdeletions in Azoospermic Infertile Men Is Not Informative of MicroTESE Outcome

Objective microdeletions of Yq chromosome are the most frequent molecular genetics etiology for the male infertility which usually spans AZFa (azoo spermia factor a), AZFb and AZFc regions. Microdeletions are mostly seen in AZFc region and usually cover genes actively involved in spermatogenesis. Partial AZFc microdeletion may also happen with various spans namely gr/gr, b2/b3 and b1/b3. It is known that the micro TESE outcomes as the surgical process for sperm retrieval from the testis in infertile azoospermic men, can be predetermined based on the type of AZF microdeletion. Present study was aimed to evaluate the correlation between partial AZFc microdeletions and micro TESE results. MaterialsAndMethods In this descriptive study, 200 infertile azoospermic men referred to Royan institute were evaluated for the presence of partial AZFc microdeletions before they undergo micro TESE. Partial AZFc microdeletions were examined through multiplex PCR reactions using seven different STS markers. The data was analyzed by Chi-square (X2) statistical test. Results Among 90 patients (45%) with positive micro TESE results, 9 (10%) showed partial microdeletion in AZFc region. From 110 (55%) patients with negative micro TESE results, 7 (6.3%) had AZC partial microdeletion. Among 200 patients, 16 (8%) showed AZFc partial microdeletions including 11 (5.5%) of gr/gr and 5 (2.5%) of b2/b3. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference on micro TESE results between the patients with and without partial AZFc microdeletions. Conclusion Partial AZfc microdeletions may not be a determinant of the micro TESE results in azospermic men.