The Impact of G1575A Matrix Metalloprotease-2 Gene Polymorphism on Male Fertility

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases contain more than 20 enzymes that require zinc for their activities. Gelatinases are one of the subtypes of matrixmetalloproteinases, which degrade gelatin and collagen type 4, and are present in male reproductive tissues such as in prostate. G1575A Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene polymorphism affects MMP-2 activity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of G1575A matrix metalloproteinase-2 gene polymorphism in fertile and infertile men. Patients and Methods: In this study 200 fertile men as controls and 200 idiopathic infertile men as cases were investigated. For genotyping thefertile and infertile group the Polymerase Chain Reaction–Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used. Results: Genotype frequencies of G/A in fertile and infertile men were significantly different (χ2 = 4.16, df = 1, p = 0.041). Genotype frequencies of G/G and A/Ain fertile and infertile men were not significantly different (χ2 = 3.32, df = 1, P = 0.068 and χ2 = 0.521, df = 1, P = 0.47, respectively). The risk of infertility was 1.43 folds higher in individuals with the A/A genotype compared to those with the G/G genotype. In men with the A/A genotype the risk of infertility was 2.14 folds higher than individuals with the G/A genotype. Conclusions: These finding suggests that genetic variation of MMP can affect male infertility