Detection of azoospermic factor genes in Chinese men with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the prevalence of deletions in the azoospermic factor (AZF) region of chromosome Yq11 in Chinese men with infertility due to idiopathic azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia. The DAZ gene cluster was also examined for mutations.


METHODS
Sixty-eight men with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia taking part in an intracytoplasmic sperm injection program were recruited. Four loci specific for AZFa, AZFb, and AZFc were amplified from genomic DNA via polymerase chain reaction to determine whether deletions were present in the AZF region. Direct DNA sequencing of amplified products was also performed to look for mutations or polymorphism from exon 2 to exon 6 of the DAZ gene cluster.


RESULTS
Six (9%) of the 68 patients had AZF deletions. None had mutations in exons 2 to 6 of DAZ.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of AZF deletions in our study was similar to those in Western reports, as was the lack of DAZ mutations.
Chang
S Y
SY
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Tsai
M Y
MY
D044466:Asian People / Q000235:genetics*; D000075364:Deleted in Azoospermia 1 Protein; D005091:Exons / Q000235:genetics; D017353:Gene Deletion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008845:Microinjections; D005810:Multigene Family; D009154:Mutation; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology; D014998:Y Chromosome
C095668:DAZ1 protein, human; D000075364:Deleted in Azoospermia 1 Protein; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins