TNFalpha -308 C-->t and -863 C-->a polymorphisms and spermiogram characteristics.

Background: Genetic factors may play a role in male infertility.

Methods: In a prospective case-control study, we assessed the allele and genotype frequencies of the TNFalpha -308 C-->T and -863 C-->A polymorphisms, detected by PCR of sperm DNA, of 577 Caucasian men recruited in an infertility clinic. Semen sampling was performed and spermiogram results were correlated to genetic data.