The POLG Gene Polymorphism in Iranian Varicocele-Associated Infertility Patients

OBJECTIVE(S): Varicocele is associated with impaired testicular function and male infertility, but the molecular mechanisms by which fertility is affected have not been satisfactorily explained. The aim of our study was to investigate whether or not the polymerase gamma (POLG) polymorphism is associated with Iranian varicocele patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We determined the POLG CAG repeat length in DNA samples extracted from 40 varicocele patients and 30 control subjects by PCR-denature polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and sequencing. RESULTS: The distribution of the CAG repeat length in varicocele patients showed no notable difference from that in control subjects, but we found a significant statistical inverse correlation between 10/10 and 10/#10 genotypes and varicocele grade. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that POLG CAG repeats may affects the varicocele grade, but the mechanisms remain to be elucidated.