O-4: Association of Y Chromosome Microdeletion with Spermatogenic Impairment and Infertility in Human Males with High Concentration of Seminal Hexachlorocyclohexane (HC)

Background: The Y chromosome microdeletion is one of the best-documented causes of male infertility but the factors responsible for Y chromosome microdeletions in spermatozoa remain unresolved. However, the environmental pollutants are known to damage DNA in differentiating and maturing germ cells in the male reproductive tract. In view of this, the objective of the present study was to explore the Y chromosome microdeletion in the context of environmental exposures to HCH in human males suffering with infertility. Materials and Methods: The study population was composed of 50 infertile male, and 50 comparable controls (fertile men). The study parameters included recording of demographic characteristics, mutational status of SRY and AZF gene and semen quality. Results: As compared to control, an increased HCH level and significantly decreased semen quality were observed in the infertile males. A positive significant association was found between sperm count with α-HCH and β-HCH in the infertile males. A negative significant association was observed between sperm counts with γ-HCH in asthenospermia patients and with β-HCH and total HCH in oligo-asthenospermic patients. Out of 100 males studied, we found 10 patients with Yq deletion in AZFa and AZFc regions. Subdivision of infertile group revealed a deletion incidence of 61.5% in azoospermic patients, 11.1% in oligospermic patients and 16.6% in oligo-asthenospermic patients. In addition, the subject Os2 (oligospermic patient), Oa2 (Oligo-asthenospermic patient), and Az1-7, 12-13 (azoospermic patients) showed mutation in HMG box of SRY gene. Conclusion: The presence of AZF microdeletion and mutation in SRY gene in infertile men with a significant mean difference of β-HCH and total HCH in relation to reduced semen quality seem to corroborate with the mutagenic activity of HCH. The results of this study indicated the susceptibility of male germ line to mutagenic potential of HCH which is an acknowledged risk factor leading to spermatogenic failure.