Polymorphisms in Folate-Related Enzyme Genes in Idiopathic Infertile Brazilian Men

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze the distribution of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), methionine synthase reductase (MTRR), and methionine synthase (MTR) polymorphisms in idiopathic infertile Brazilian men and fertile men. Case-control study comprising 133 idiopathic infertile Brazilian men with nonobstructive azoospermia ([NOA] n = 55) or severe oligozoospermia ([SO] n = 78) and 173 fertile men as controls. MTHFR C677T, A1298C, and G1793A; MTRR A66G; and MTR A2756G polymorphisms were studied by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results were analyzed statistically and a P value <.05 was considered significant. Single-marker analysis revealed a significant association among MTHFR C677T polymorphism and both NOA group (P = .018) and SO group (P < .001). Considering the MTHFR A1298C, MTHFR G1793A, and MTRR A66G polymorphisms, no difference was found between NOA group and SO group. Regarding the MTR A2756G polymorphism, a significant difference was found between NOA and controls, P = .017. However, statistical analysis revealed no association between SO group and controls. Combined genotypes of 3 MTHFR polymorphisms did not identify a haplotype associated with idiopathic infertility. The combinatory analysis of the 3 polymorphisms MTHFR, MTRR, and MTR did not show difference between cases and controls. The findings suggest the MTHFR C677T and MTR A2756G polymorphisms could be an important genetic factor predisposing to idiopathic infertility in Brazilian men.