Mitochondrial genetic variation in Iranian infertile men with varicocele

ABSTRACT

Background: Several recent studies have shown that mitochondrial DNA mutations lead to major disabilities and premature death in carriers. More than 150 mutations in human mitochondrial DNA [mtDNA] genes have been associated with a wide spectrum of disorders. Varicocele, one of the causes of infertility in men wherein abnormal inflexion and distension of veins of the pampiniform plexus is observed within spermatic cord, can increase reactive oxygen species [ROS] production in semen and cause oxidative stress and sperm dysfunction in patients. Given that mitochondria are the source of ROS production in cells, the aim of this study was to scan nine mitochondrial genes [MT-COX2, MT-tRNA[Lys], MT-ATP8, MT-ATP6, MT-COX3, MT-tRNA[Gly], MT-ND3, MT-tRNA[Arg]and MT-ND4L] for mutations in infertile patients with varicocele