ABSTRACT
Background: Azoospermia is the medical condition of a man not having any measurable level of sperm in his semen. Follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] is a member of the glycoprotein hormone family that plays an important role in human reproduction because of its essential role in normal spermatogenesis. Various Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms [SNPs] have been reported within FSH receptor [FSHR] gene that may affect the receptor function
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between two FSHR SNPs at positions A919G, A2039G, and susceptibility to azoospermia in a group of Iranian azoospermic men. The association between FSH levels within the sera and A919G and A2039G alleles and genotypes were also investigated
Materials and Methods: This case control study was performed on 212 men with azoospermia [126 non-obstructive and 86 obstructive] and 200 healthy Iranian men. Two FSHR gene SNPs were genotyped using PCR-RFLP method. The relationship between FSH levels within the sera and A919G and A2039G alleles and genotypes were also investigated
Results: Statistical analysis indicated that at A919G position, AA genotype and A allele were more frequent in obstructive azoospermia cases compared to nonobstructive or normal men [p=0.001]. Regarding A2039G polymorphisms, no significant difference was observed between both azoospermia groups and the controls. The mean level of serum FSH was higher in the non-obstructive men compared to the obstructive patients [23.8 versus 13.8, respectively, p= 0.04]
Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that the genetic polymorphisms in the FSHR gene might increase the susceptibility to azoospermia in Iranian men
ABSTRACT
The human heavy [VH] and light [VL] chain variable genes are amplified and randomly assembled together and cloned into the minor coat protein gene [g3p] of M13 bacteriophage. The resulting library of scFv is expressed on the phage as g3p fusion protein. The high affinity specific scFv antibodies can be selected against a key antigen using panning process. Our aim was development of scFv antibodies against P185 tumor antigen by recombinant phage antibody system and panning process. Antibody engineering technology was applied to lymphocyte mRNA of a non-immune donor and a scFv library was constructed. The library was panned against an immunodominant epitope of P185 which its reactivity had been tested with sera from breast cancer patients. DNA fingerprinting of the scFvs selected the predominated clones. These were then screened by ELISA. A large library including high repertoires of VH and VL was constructed. DNA fingerprinting differentiated a number of clones. After selection against the immunodominant epitope of P185, nine clones were differentiated including two predominated scFv antibodies. The predominated antibodies were bound to the corresponding epitope and produced a positive ELISA. The high affinity P185 specific scFv antibodies which were originated from human genes and bound specifically to the P185 epitope are valuable clinical agents and have the potential to be used in cancer immunotherapy in which P185 overexpression and metastasis occurs