Male fertility genes discovered
A new study has revealed previously undiscovered genetic variants that influence fertility in men. The findings, published by Cell Press on May 24th in the American Journal of Human Genetics, shed much-needed light on human reproduction and might provide answers for countless men suffering from in-fertility.
Despite its high incidence, in-fertility remains a sensitive topic. Some of the stigma surrounding in-fertility arises from a lack of known scientific causes. In fact, nearly a quarter of reported in-fertility cases remain unexplained. Research regarding the genetics of fertility has come primarily from studies involving in-fertile subjects.
"Such studies have not been able to identify genes or pathways contributing to variation in natural human fertility," remarks Carole Ober, the lead author of the study. This is because numerous non-genetic factors, such as alcohol and tobacco use, certain medications, and disease history, can contribute to in-fertility.
Ober and her graduate student, Gülüm Kosova, at the University of Chicago have taken a different approach. By studying a founder population, the Hutterites, Ober's research maximizes genetic influences and minimizes non-genetic ones. The Hutterites are a branch of Anabaptists who conscribe to a common set of religious and social beliefs.
"Hutterites [forbid] contraception and uniformly desire large families, providing an outstanding population in which to study the genetics of normal human fertility," explains Ober. Rather than studying in-fertile subjects, the team included Hutterite men who had one or more child, and it took both family size and birth rate into consideration.
The study uncovered more than 40 genetic regions that influence fertility in Hutterite men. Nine of these regions were additionally found to impact sperm quality in non-Hutterites. These regions harbor genes involved in several essential biological processes, including protein regulation, nucleotide binding, and immunity, and shed light on the complexity of human fertility. Ultimately, says Ober, further studies might find that mutations in these genes underlie some of the currently unexplained cases of male in-fertility.
Stock Photo Credit: hortongrou
All Rights Reserved
The New "Infertility Switch"
TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
3 Steps to Fertility-- The world of in-fertility can be complex and daunting.
This book helps couples navigate the world of in-fertility treatment and tells them how they can maximize their chances of conceiving by following the three essential steps—gaining a full understanding of what conception entails, completing the necessary fertility tests at the appropriate time, and choosing the treatment that will improve their chances of having a baby.
Each in-fertile couple is unique, and what suits one couple may not suit another.
Some may be more comfortable first looking into complementary therapies while others will opt for immediate in-vitro fertilization.
With detailed information on assisted conception techniques, all possible tests, and how diet, ovulation tracking, hypnotherapy, reflexology, acupuncture, and herbal medicine can improve one's chances of having a baby, this book will help all couples find the right approach for them.
It also will ensure they are both better informed and more open to all forms of treatment as they embark on their journeys to parenthood.
Click to read more
◊ Follow us on Twitter, join the conversation on our Facebook page, circle us on Google+, we are even on Pinterest!
Life Begins... - Pregnancy stories of loss, hope & help
Pregnancy Stories by Age - Daily blog of hope & inspiration!
You Can Get Pregnant in Your 40's - Sharing articles, discussing options & suggestions
Stories of Pregnancy and Birth over 44 years old - sharing news stories I find online, for inspiration!
Category: Fertility, Genes, Male Fertility, sperm
0 comments