Abstract
Purpose
One of the causes of infertility is circadian rhythm disorders. This study aimed to investigate Clock 3111 T/C and Period3 VNTR (variable number tandem repeat) gene polymorphisms and these gene proteins, some biochemical parameters, and circadian rhythm hormones in infertile women.
Methods
Thirty-five infertile women and thirty-one healthy fertile women were included. Blood samples were taken in the mid-luteal phase. DNAs obtained from peripheral blood were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Follicle-stimulating hormone, LH (luteinizing hormone), estradiol, prolactin, free triiodothyronine, fT4 (free thyroxine), thyroid-stimulating hormone, testosterone, cortisol, progesterone, prolactin, ferritin, vitamin B12, and folate levels in serum samples were determined by the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method. Melatonin, Clock, and Period3 protein levels were determined with ELISA kits.
Results
There was a significant difference in the frequency of Period3 DD (Per34/4) genotype between the groups. The Clock protein level of the infertile group was higher than the fertile group. Clock protein levels of the fertile group were positively correlated with estradiol levels and negatively correlated with LH, prolactin, and fT4 levels. PER3 protein levels of the infertile group were negatively correlated with LH levels. Melatonin levels of the fertile group were positively correlated with progesterone levels and negatively correlated with cortisol levels. Melatonin levels of the infertile group were positively correlated with LH levels and negatively correlated with cortisol levels.
Conclusion
Per34/4 genotype may be an independent risk factor in infertile women. Different correlation results found in fertile and infertile women can form the basis for future studies.
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Data Availability
The data in the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Aci, R., Ciftci, G., Yigit, S. et al. Clock 3111 T/C and Period3 VNTR gene polymorphisms and proteins, and melatonin levels in women with infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 40, 1109–1116 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-023-02756-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-023-02756-5