Sarcouncil Journal of Applied Sciences Aims & Scope

Abstract: Objective: Transcription factors of gene expression are crucial in reproductive biology, regulating all molecular pathways of embryonic development. Our research paper aims to evaluate the gene expression profiles of transcription factors in 141 participants diagnosed with primary and secondary infertility, specifically focusing on FOXO3, NOBOX, FIGLA, SOX9, CREB1, and WT1. Materials and Methods: To develop the methodology for our paper, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 141 patients diagnosed with infertility, whose data were collected from reproductive medicine centers in Baghdad, Iraq, between January 2023 and January 2024. We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of mRNA expression using peripheral blood samples and gonadal tissue biopsies. Immunohistochemical assays and targeted sequencing of transcription factor-coding genes were also performed. Results: To assess the health outcomes of the participating patients, this study observed a significant decrease in the expression levels of both FOXO3 (0.42 ± 0.18) and NOBOX (0.38 ± 0.21) in all female patients with diminished ovarian reserve compared to fertile women. Regarding other genes, FIGLA expression was significantly reduced in patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (0.31 ± 0.15 vs. 1.02 ± 0.24). In male patients, SOX9 gene expression was significantly inversely correlated with spermatogenesis. Conclusion: Disruptions in the regulation of transcription factors are a major contributing factor and a key mechanism in the development of infertility in both male and female participants.