Researchers need 100, get over 5,000 volunteers for unique genetic analysis project in city

Flood of volunteers for male infertility research

Researchers need 100, get over 5,000 volunteers for unique genetic analysis project in city

FOR city-based geneticist Dr Prakash Gambhir, it has been an unusual but pleasant situation that he has found himself in these past few weeks.

Having begun an ambitious research project on male infertility, Gambhir has found thousands of volunteers in the city when such medical studies usually see few men coming forward even when anonymity is guaranteed.

Blood sample

In Gambhir's project, 100 volunteers are required to give a blood sample for genetic analysis and DNA-profiling.

Past experience shows infertility is a subject men are uncomfortable discussing due to traditional notions of manliness and fear of social ridicule.

"It's surprising but true that we have received a high number of enquiries," said Gambhir.

"Besides direct volunteers, over 5,000 men registered with different infertility clinics are ready to be part of the research. We need just 100 volunteers."

The research, the first of its kind at the Department of Genetics of the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), will concern itself with analysing the chromosomal and genetic make-up of infertile men.

"We will take blood samples of the volunteers and do a DNA-profiling.
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The research is to study Y chromosome micro dilation. If we find certain genes located in Y chromosome are absent, then quality of sperm suffers. Such men are otherwise normal in sexual functions, but infertile," said Gambhir.

Gambhir is the principal investigator for the project with research scholar Savita Marathe under the guidance of Dr Mridula Phadke, the former vice-chancellor MUHS.

Aim of study

The study, which recently received funding of Rs 18 crore from the Department of Science and Technology, will help identify the population of infertile males in the city who suffer from azoospermia, a case of absence of sperms in semen and which requires semen banking.

"The aim of the study is to avoid unnecessary infertility treatments that are expensive. It will also provide a warning to men who have partial Y chromosome deletion and could face infertility in the future," added Gambhir.

The study will also correlate lifestyle disorders like obesity with sperm count. It is probably the first study in the state to be using DNA samples for male infertility research.

Infertility specialists have welcomed the research.

Dr Amit Patankar, director of Genesis Test Tube Baby Centre, said the study would help eliminate unnecessary costs.

"Y chromosome deletion is a severe type of infertility which is hereditary.

By this study we can help judge which men require infertility treatment and which don't," said Patankar. "Besides it'll help to know who are on the brink of infertility."

Rs 18 cr
Funding received from the Department of Science and Technology for the study

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Infertility clinics in the city

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