چکیده (انگلیسی):

Objective: To analyze global DNA methylation along with DNA methyltransferases
(DNMTs) expression at transcript level in patients with impaired spermatogenesis to
dissect its role in pathophysiology of human male infertility.
Method: The content of Global methylated cytosine (mC) was determined using ELISA
system (Imprint Methylated DNA Quantification Kit, Sigma–Aldrich) in 31 testicular
biopsies showing impaired spermatogenesis and 8 with normal spermatogenesis. Realtime
reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was done to analyze DNMTs
(DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B and DNMT3L) mRNA levels in biopsies with different
testicular phenotypes.
Results: There was significant increase in levels of global methylation in different
impaired testicular phenotypes as compared to normal. Expression analysis revealed
significantly increased expression of DNMT1 and its positive correlation with global
DNA methylation.
Conclusion: In conclusion, increased levels of global methylation in impaired cases
might be the one of the contributing factors for aberrant gene expression in infertile
patients.