Abstract

Intervals V and VI of Yq11.23 regions contain responsible genes for spermatogenesis, and are named as "azoospermia factor locus" (AZF). Deletions of these genes are thought to be pathogenetically involved in some cases of male infertility associated with azoospermia or oligozoospermia. The aim of this study was to develop a method for the detection of the AZF region of the human Y chromosome in the Unit of Medical Genetics and Oncogenetics UGMO at the Hospital University Center Hassan II-FEZ. We applied multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using several sequence-tagged site (STS) primer sets, in order to determine microdeletions in the Y chromosome. Our findings suggest that the technique is validated, so genetic screening should be advised to infertile men before starting assisted reproductive treatments.