FSHB promoter polymorphism within evolutionary conserved element is associated with serum FSH level in men.
BACKGROUND
No polymorphisms affecting serum FSH levels have been described in the human FSHB gene. We have identified a potential regulatory single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, rs10835638; G/T) 211 bp upstream from the FSHB mRNA transcription start-site, located within a highly conserved region among placental mammals. We aimed to determine the correlation of carrier status of rs10835638 alternative alleles with serum FSH level in men, and testicular and hormonal parameters.


METHODS
A quantitative genetic association study using a cohort of healthy men (n = 554; age 19.2 +/- 1.7 years) visiting the Centre of Andrology, Tartu University Hospital, Estonia.


RESULTS
Rs10835638 (allele frequencies: G 87.6%, T 12.4%) was significantly associated with serum FSH level (analysis of variance: F = 13.0, P = 0.0016, df = 1; regression testing for a linear trend: P = 0.0003). Subjects with the GG genotype exhibited higher FSH levels (3.37 +/- 1.79 IU/l, n = 423) compared with heterozygotes (2.84 +/- 1.54 IU/l, n = 125) (P = 0.0005), the group of T-allele carriers (GT+TT, 2.78 +/- 1.51 IU/l, n = 131) (P = 0.0005) and TT-homozygotes (2.02 +/- 0.81 IU/L, n = 6) (P = 0.031). Rs10835638 was also associated with significant (P < 0.05) reduction in free testosterone index and testes volume, but increased semen volume, sex hormone-binding globulin, serum testosterone and estradiol. LH and inhibin-B levels did not differ significantly between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The identification of a regulatory SNP in FSHB promoter paves the way to study the effect of constitutively low FSH on male health and fertility. As FSH contributes to follicular development and sex steroid production in women, the role of this FSHB variant in female reproductive success is still to be addressed.
Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia Street 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia.
Marina
M
Grigorova
Margus
M
Punab
Kristo
K
Ausmees
Maris
M
Laan
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001483:Base Sequence; D015331:Cohort Studies; D017124:Conserved Sequence; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D037201:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic
D037201:Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone