Studying testicular genes´ expression may give key insights into precise regulation of its functions that influence epididymal sperm quality. The current study aimed to investigate the abundance of candidate genes involved in the regulation of testicular functions specially those regulate sperm function (PLA2G4D, SPP1 and CLUAP1), testicular steroidogenic function (ESR1 and AR), materials transport (AQP12B and LCN15) and defense mechanisms (DEFB110, GPX5, SOCS3 and IL6). Therefore, blood samples and testes with epididymis were collected from mature middle-aged (5-10 years) dromedary camels (n=45) directly prior and after their slaughtering, respectively, during breeding season. Sera were evaluated for testosterone level, testicular biometry was measured with caliper, and the epididymal tail semen was evaluated manually. Samples were distinguished based on testosterone level, testicular biometry, as well as epididymal semen features into high and low fertile groups. Total RNA was isolated from testicular tissues and genes expression was done using qRT-PCR. Results revealed that testosterone levels were significantly (P |
