Genotype distribution of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase A1298C and C677T gene in Indonesian infertile men.

Background: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme of folate and methionin metabolism, making it crucial for DNA synthesis and methylation. Variants of MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene result in reduced plasma folate levels and increase the susceptibility to spermatogenic arrest. This research aims to analyses MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene polymorphism in Indonesian infertile men with azoospermia and oligozoospermia. Methods: This cross sectional study takes 3 mL of blood from 150 infertile men with oligozoospermia and azoospermia. MTHFR gene is analyzed using polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) with specific primers. PCR-RFLP analysis of the MTHFR gene using restriction enzymes MboII and HinfI determines allotypes, both of SNP A1298C and C677T in oligozoospermia and azoospermia in Indonesian population. Results: The results show that the distribution of allotypes of MTHFR gene SNP A1298C and A677T is not significantly different (p>0.05) between patient groups with oligozoospermia and azoospermia. Conclusion: MTHFR gene polymorphisms, both of SNP A1298C and C677T are not associated with male infertility in Indonesian men including patients with severe oligozoospermia and azoospermia.

Genotype distribution of T cell receptor β gene in Indonesian nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a multifactorial genetic disease, characteristically endemic and shows considerable differences in its geographical distribution. Besides infection with EBV, genetic factors such as polymorphisms of TCR-β gene contribute to the incidence of NPC. This study investigates the association of TCR-β gene polymorphisms with individual susceptibility to develop NPC in Indonesian ethnic groups. Methods: The study was carried out by the PCR-RFLP method using Bgl II restriction enzyme to digest TCR-β gene. The PCR-RFLP analysis of TCR-β gene was used to determine allotypes of TCR-β gene in NPC patients and control among ethnic Chinese and indigenous groups in the population of Indonesia. Results: The results indicate that the distribution of TCR-β gene allotypes between NPC patients and controls are not significantly different (p > 0.05); however, the frequency of A allele tends to increase in NPC patients. The distribution of TCR-β gene allotypes between Chinese ethnic group was not signifi cantly different from indigenous groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The distribution of TCR-β gene allele between NPC group and control groups showed no difference. The distribution of TCR-β gene between ethnic Chinese and indigenous groups showed no difference. Polymorphisms of TCR-β gene are not associated with NPC and ethnic groups in Indonesian population.

The effect of continuous exposure to electromagnetic fïeld on four successiYe generations of mice.

The objective of this study is to know the biobgical effects of electromagnetic field treatment on four successive generations of mice. Fourty eight male and female mice of Swiss Webster Strain, 3 months of old, and 35 - 40 g body weight, were kept in a controlled environment and fed a standard diet. Mice were divided into 6 groups of four couples each. The first group was exposed to electromagnetic field of I kV/10 cm, the second group to 2 kV/10 cm, and the third group to 3 kV/10 cm. The remaining 3 groups were served as untreated controls of the first, second, and third group, respectively. Each couple of mice was placed in a cage (26x20x11 cm) with wire metal cage tops. The cages of experimental groups with mice inside, were then put on the negative terminal plate of a pair of parallel aluminium plate electrodes. These cages were perpendicular to the positive electrode plate at a distance of I0 cm. Subsequently, the electrodes were connected to stepup transformer as an alternating current power supply. All mice belonging to experimental and untreated control groups were allowed to mate, gastate, and deliver the first up to fourth generations, During investigation, all generations of experimental groups were continuously treated to electromagnetic field, while generations of untreated control groups received no treatment to electromagnetic field, During the study, all mice were housed in a room having a temperature of 26ᵒ C and a light - dark cycle of 12:12 hours. The results of this study showed that exposure of mice to electromagnitic field results in reduced fertility with no change in sex ratio of the offspring. Exposure to electromagnetic field, however, were effective in inducing congenital anomalies, such as micropthalmy, white eyes, short hind legs, dwarf mice, and tumors in both sexes of the offspring which caused of death after 3 - 4 months of old. A large mortality rate were found, especially in the third and fourth generations. No congenital anomalies and tumors were noted in untreated controls. ln conclusion, we suggest that several facts which found in this study were the result of changes in genetic material of the sperm or eggs during spermatogenesis or oogenesis, respectively, i.e. a mutagenic effect. This interaction between electromagnetic field and the living cell, may then cause biological effects on cells, tissues, and organs, so that finally there are consequences for the whole organisms.