Gene Polymorphism of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 in Asthenozoospermic Male Subjects

Objective Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMPs) play important roles in the structural and functional properties of reproductive organs. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of C-1562T Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (rs3918242) gene polymorphism in fertile and infertile men. In addition, we aimed to determine the association between C-1562T MMP-9 and G-1575A MMP-2 gene polymorphisms. MaterialsAndMethods A total of 400 subjects, including 200 fertile and 200 infertile men, were recruited for this case-control study. The allele frequencies and genotype distributions of single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter regions of MMP-9 (C-1562T) were determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. The Chi-square (χ2) test was used to assess the distribution of genotype frequencies. Results No significant differences were found in the genotype distributions or allele frequencies between fertile and infertile men for C-1562T Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 gene polymorphism. The percent of immotile sperm in infertile men with the CC and CT genotypes of C-1562T MMP-9 gene polymorphism were significantly different compared with that of subjects with the TT genotype. The frequency of CC/GA-combined genotypes of C-1562T MMP-9 and G-1575A MMP-2 gene polymorphisms significantly differed in fertile and infertile men (p=0.031). Conclusion Our results suggest that genetic polymorphisms in matrix metalloproteinases may impact on male fertility.