Association of HSD17B1 Gene Polymorphisms with Male Infertility in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Population, Pakistan

Association of HSD17B1 Gene Polymorphisms with Male

Authors

  • Muhammad Fayaz Khan Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
  • Hafsah Muhammad Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Irfan Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
  • Syed Salman Shah Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
  • Fahad Ur Rehman Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Alamgeer Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
  • Kamran Ud Din Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Ilyas Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
  • Saifullah Khan Department of Nephrology, Institute of Kidney Diseases, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v8i8.1272

Keywords:

Male Infertility, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), Spermatogenesis, HSD17B1 Gene

Abstract

Male infertility is a complex disease recognized by the World Health Organization as a global health concern that affects men’s reproductive health. This study investigated the association of the HSD17B1 gene, a key regulator of the hormone testosterone, with male infertility. Objectives: To find out the genetic variation in the HSD17B1 gene and the association of HSD17B1 gene polymorphisms with male infertility. Methods: The study involved 106 male patients with infertility issues and 80 healthy controls. Hormonal profiles were evaluated using ELISA, and semen parameters such as sperm count, morphology, and motility were examined to identify any abnormalities. Target genomic sequencing was performed to identify three SNPs, rs605059, rs992310724, and rs2676530, in the HSD17B1 gene that are associated with male infertility.  Results: The findings indicated a significant association between rs992310724 variations and testosterone levels (p-value=0.041). However, rs605059 (p-value=0.783) and rs2676530 (p-value=0.381) were not significantly associated with male infertility. Conclusions: The findings suggest the potential for personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, as well as the need for a multidisciplinary approach in male infertility research. Male reproductive health is influenced by genetic variations, with different SNPs emerging as potential contributors.

References

Upadhyay Y, Chhabra A, Nagar JC. A Woman's Infertility: An Overview. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development. 2020 Apr; 8(2): 99-106. doi: 10.22270/ajprd.v8i2.654.

Szkodziak F, Krzyżanowski J, Szkodziak P. Psychological Aspects of Infertility: A Systematic Review. Journal of International Medical Research. 2020 Jun; 48(6): 0300060520932403. doi: 10.1177/0300060520932403.

Eisenberg ML, Esteves SC, Lamb DJ, Hotaling JM, Giwercman A, Hwang K, et al. Male Infertility. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2023 Sep; 9(1): 49. doi: 10.1038/s41572-023-00459-w.

Sharma A, Minhas S, Dhillo WS, Jayasena CN. Male Infertility Due to Testicular Disorders. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2021 Feb; 106(2): e442-59. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa781.

Kumar N, Singh AK. Impact of Environmental Factors on Human Semen Quality and Male Fertility: A Narrative Review. Environmental Sciences Europe. 2022 Dec; 34(1): 6. doi: 10.1186/s12302-021-00585-w.

Jabeen F, Khadija S, Daud S. Prevalence of Primary and Secondary Infertility. Saudi Journal of Medicine. 2022 Jan; 7(1): 22-8. doi: 10.36348/sjm.2022.v07i01.004.

Ahmed HM, Khan M, Yasmin F, Jawaid H, Khalid H, Shigri A, et al. Awareness Regarding Causes of Infertility Among Out-Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Cureus. 2020 Apr; 12(4): e7685. doi: 10.7759/cureus.7685.

Cannarella R, Condorelli RA, Duca Y, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. New Insights Into The Genetics of Spermatogenic Failure: A Review of the Literature. Human Genetics. 2019 Feb; 138(2): 125-40. doi: 10.1007/s00439-019-01974-1.

Dunleavy JE, O'Bryan MK, Stanton PG, O'Donnell L. The Cytoskeleton in Spermatogenesis. Reproduction. 2019 Feb; 157(2): R53-72. doi: 10.1530/REP-18-0457.

Crisóstomo L, Alves MG, Gorga A, Sousa M, Riera MF, Galardo MN, et al. Molecular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways Involved in the Nutritional Support of Spermatogenesis by Sertoli Cells. In: Sertoli Cells: Methods and Protocols. New York: Springer. 2018 Feb. p. 129-55. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7698-0_11.

Cannarella R, Condorelli RA, Mongioì LM, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Molecular Biology of Spermatogenesis: Novel Targets of Apparently Idiopathic Male Infertility. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020 Mar; 21(5): 1728. doi: 10.3390/ijms21051728.

Li L, Lin W, Wang Z, Huang R, Xia H, Li Z, et al. Hormone Regulation in Testicular Development and Function. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024 May; 25(11): 5805. doi: 10.3390/ijms25115805.

Yang C, Li P, Li Z. Clinical Application of Aromatase Inhibitors To Treat Male Infertility. Human Reproduction Update. 2022 Jan; 28(1): 30-50. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmab036.

Walker C, Garza S, Papadopoulos V, Culty M. Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals on Steroidogenesis and Consequences on Testicular Function. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. 2021 May; 527: 111215. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111215.

Heidarzadehpilehrood R, Pirhoushiaran M, Abdollahzadeh R, Binti Osman M, Sakinah M, Nordin N, et al. A Review on CYP11A1, CYP17A1, and CYP19A1 Polymorphism Studies: Candidate Susceptibility Genes for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Infertility. Genes. 2022 Feb; 13(2): 302. doi: 10.3390/genes13020302.

Tremblay JJ. Molecular Regulation of Steroidogenesis in Endocrine Leydig Cells. Steroids. 2015 Nov; 103: 3-10. doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.08.001.

Barbagallo F, Condorelli RA, Mongioì LM, Cannarella R, Aversa A, Calogero AE, et al. Effects of Bisphenols on Testicular Steroidogenesis. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2020 Jun; 11: 373. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00373.

Yazawa T, Islam MS, Imamichi Y, Watanabe H, Yaegashi K, Ida T, et al. Comparison of Placental HSD17B1 Expression and Its Regulation in Various Mammalian Species. Animals. 2023 Feb; 13(4): 622. doi: 10.3390/ani13040622.

Hakkarainen J, Zhang FP, Jokela H, Mayerhofer A, Behr R, Cisneros-Montalvo S, et al. Hydroxysteroid (17β) Dehydrogenase 1 Expressed by Sertoli Cells Contributes to Steroid Synthesis and is Required for Male Fertility. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2018 Jun; 32(6): 3229-41. doi: 10.1096/fj.201700921R.

Takagi S, Naito M, Kawai S, Okada R, Nagata C, Hosono S, et al. Macronutrient Intakes and Serum Oestrogen, and Interaction With Polymorphisms in CYP19A1 and HSD17B1 Genes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Postmenopausal Japanese Women. British Journal of Nutrition. 2017 Sep; 118(6): 463-72. doi: 10.1017/S0007114517002239.

Kraft P, Pharoah P, Chanock SJ, Albanes D, Kolonel LN, Hayes RB, et al. Genetic Variation in The HSD17B1 Gene and Risk of Prostate Cancer. PLoS Genetics. 2005 Nov; 1(5): e68. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.0010068.

Egashira EM, Trovo-Marqui AB, Tanaka SC, Cintra MT. Investigation of Biomarkers in Endometriosis-Associated Infertility: Systematic Review. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências. 2022 Dec; 94(suppl 3): e20211572. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765202220211572.

Lutkowska A, Roszak A, Jagodziński PP. 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type Gene 1 937 A > G Polymorphism as a Risk Factor for Cervical Cancer Progression in the Polish Population. Pathology and Oncology Research. 2017 Apr; 23(2): 317-22. doi: 10.1007/s12253-016-0103-4.

Shi L, Yang X, Dong X, Zhang B. Polymorphism of HSD17B1 Ser312Gly With Cancer Risk: Evidence From 66,147 Subjects. Twin Research and Human Genetics. 2016 Apr; 19(2): 136-45. doi: 10.1017/thg.2016.6.

Osiński M, Mostowska A, Wirstlein P, Skrzypczak J, Jagodziński PP, et al. Involvement of 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type Gene 1 937 A > G Polymorphism in Infertility in Polish Caucasian Women With Endometriosis. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. 2017 Jun; 34(6): 789-94. doi: 10.1007/s10815-017-0911-9.

Janowska M, Potocka N, Paszek S, Skrzypa M, Żulewicz K, Kluz M, et al. An Assessment of GPX1 (rs1050450), DIO2 (rs225014) and SEPP1 (rs7579) Gene Polymorphisms in Women With Endometrial Cancer. Genes. 2022 Jan; 13(2): 188. doi: 10.3390/genes13020188.

Alwan M and Afzaljavan F. Significance of The Estrogen Hormone and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in The Progression of Breast Cancer Among Females. Archives of Razi Institute. 2022 Jun; 77(3): 943.

Zhao F, Hao Z, Zhong Y, Xu Y, Guo M, Zhang B, et al. Discovery of Breast Cancer Risk Genes and Establishment of a Prediction Model Based on Estrogen Metabolism Regulation. BMC Cancer. 2021 Feb; 21(1): 194. doi: 10.1186/s12885-021-07896-4.

Scarabino D, Scacchi R, Pinto A, Corbo RM. Genetic Basis of the Relationship Between Reproduction and Longevity: A Study on Common Variants of Three Genes in Steroid Hormone Metabolism-CYP17, HSD17B1, and COMT. Rejuvenation Research. 2015 Oct; 18(5): 464-72. doi: 10.1089/rej.2015.1665.

Angioni S, D'Alterio MN, Coiana A, Anni F, Gessa S, Deiana D. Genetic Characterization of Endometriosis Patients: Review of the Literature and a Prospective Cohort Study on a Mediterranean Population. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020 Mar; 21(5): 1765. doi: 10.3390/ijms21051765.

Shigesi N, Harris HR, Fang H, Ndungu A, Lincoln MR, International Endometriosis Genome Consortium, et al. The Phenotypic and Genetic Association Between Endometriosis and Immunological Diseases. Human Reproduction. 2025 Jun; 40(6): 1195-209. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deaf062.

Cheng LG, Huang SL, Hwang K. Genetic Syndromes Leading to Male Infertility: A Systematic Review. Fertility and Sterility. 2025 Mar; doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2025.03.014.

Hosono S, Ito H, Oze I, Higaki Y, Morita E, Takashima N, et al. Polymorphisms in CYP19A1, HSD17B1, and HSD17B2 Genes and Serum Sex Hormone Level Among Postmenopausal Japanese Women. Maturitas. 2015 Dec; 82(4): 394-401. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.08.003.

Shiota M, Endo S, Fujimoto N, Tsukahara S, Ushijima M, Kashiwagi E, et al. Polymorphisms in Androgen Metabolism Genes With Serum Testosterone Levels and Prognosis in Androgen-Deprivation Therapy. Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations. 2020 Nov; 38(11): 849-e11. doi: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2020.06.033.

Downloads

Published

2025-08-31
CITATION
DOI: 10.54393/pbmj.v8i8.1272
Published: 2025-08-31

How to Cite

Khan, M. F., Muhammad, H., Irfan, M., Shah, S. S., Rehman, F. U., Alamgeer, . M., Din, K. U., Ilyas, M., & Khan, S. (2025). Association of HSD17B1 Gene Polymorphisms with Male Infertility in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Population, Pakistan: Association of HSD17B1 Gene Polymorphisms with Male. Pakistan BioMedical Journal, 8(8), 16–22. https://doi.org/10.54393/pbmj.v8i8.1272

Issue

Section

Original Article

Plaudit

Most read articles by the same author(s)