ABSTRACT
The azoospermia factor (AZF) region of the human Y chromosome contains essential genes for spermatogenesis. Microdeletions in AZF region has been shown to cause male infertility. The aim of this investigation was to determine the frequency of AZF microdeletions in Jordanian infertile males. A sample of 100 infertile males (36 with azoospermia and 64 with oligozoospermia) was screened for microdeletions using 16 AZF markers and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Two subjects were found to have microdeletions in AZFc region and one subject has microdeletion that includes AZFb and part of AZFc and AZFa. The three deletions were found in azoospermic subjects (8.3%). No microdeletions were found in oligozoospermic group. The frequency of AZF microdeletions in Jordanian azoospermic infertile males is comparable to that observed in other populations (1%-15%). The results suggest the importance of AZF microdeletion analysis for genetic counseling prior to providing assisted reproduction technique.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to measure the extent of androgenic steroids abuse among two targeted groups in Jordan, college students and athletes, and the risk factors associated with this abuse. METHODS: Five hundred and three Jordanian collegiate students and 154 bodybuilding athletes completed a three section questionnaire that investigated demographic information, prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and attitude towards steroids abuse. RESULTS: Of the investigated collegiate students, 4.2% were current users, while the percentage rose to 26% among the athletes; the mean age of users in the two groups was 19.9 and 28.1 years, respectively. Almost one-third of the students started abusing AAS before the age of 15 years while more than half of the athletes started between the ages of 15 and 18 years. Knowing where and how to get the drugs has not been a problem for either the students or the athletes as their friends and coaches were the major sources. The main reasons for using AAS have been found to help improving athletic performance and physical appearances. CONCLUSION: Abusing AAS is starting to become a public health concern that implies the need to implement educational programmes, which will educate and warn adolescents and mentors about the negative side effects of AAS abuse on the health of users.
