The association between XRCC2 and BCORL1 expression with sperm DNA fragmentation index in infertile men candidates undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to investigate the relative gene expression of XRCC2 and BCORL1 in the sperm and its association with DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and sperm parameters in infertile men candidate for fertilization by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

METHODS

The semen samples from the infertile men candidates were centrifuged using the gradient method to obtain pure sperm. DFI of samples was measured using the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) assay. The samples were divided into three groups based on the DFI (with DFI ≤ 15 % (excellent fertility potential), DFI= 15-30 % (good fertility potential), and DFI > 30 % (fair fertility potential). Then, according to WHO criteria, sperm parameters were evaluated. Finally, the expression of XRCC2 and BCORL1 was measured using real-time PCR.

RESULTS

This study showed that the expression of XRCC2 in groups with DFI > 30 % was significantly decreased compared to the groups with DFI ≤ 15 % and DFI= 15-30 % (P < 0.05). Furthermore, according to the correlation coefficients data, the mRNA expression level of XRCC2 was correlated positively with fertilization rate and negatively with DFI (p < 0.05). However, there was no association between BCORL1 expression with DFI and other sperm parameters.

CONCLUSION

This investigation revealed that lowering of XRCC2 expression raises sperm DNA damage.