12 February,2009 09:20 AM IST | | Vivek Sabnis
In a first research of its kind, the Pune regional cell of Maharashtra University of Health Science (MUHS) is carrying out a unique study on chromosomal and genetic analysis of infertile men in the city.
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The Department of genetics, immunology and biochemistry, MHUS, will conduct the research at its regional centre in Aundh.
Dr Prakash Gambhir, pediatrician, geneticist and head of the department, who is initiating the study along with scholar Savita Marathe, said, "The study has been reviewed and approved by MHUS Ethics Committee."
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Describing the purpose behind the study, Dr Gambhir said that the idea is to find out the impact of chromosomal and genetic factors causing male infertility.
"Infertility can be defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse," he said. He added that the study will be completed in three years after studying blood samples of males in Pune.
According to Marathe, who is also a lecturer in MUHS department of Medical Education, "Infertility affects about 10 to 15 per cent of all couples.
Out of the infertile population, about 30 per cent are men." In such cases, oligonzoospermic and azoospermic disorders are frequently observed in which chromosomal and genetic defects have been identified, she said.
Patients taking part in this research will have to give five ml blood. The researchers will isolate their DNA from the blood and use it for genetic analysis.
"The study results will help analyse scientific research techniques and the finding may help form guidelines in treating patients," said Marathe.
The research data will be kept private and will be sealed after the study. MUHS will review the study and confirm the findings.
