Repression of hspA2 messenger RNA in human testes with abnormal spermatogenesis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of hspA2 in testes of infertile men with azoospermia.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Pundang Je-Saeng General Hospital, Dae-Jin Medical Center, Korea.


METHODS
Azoospermic patients (n = 15) undergoing testicular biopsy for pathologic evaluation were selected.


METHODS
After pathologic evaluation, testicular biopsy specimens were subdivided into three groups: group 1, normal spermatogenesis (n = 5); group 2, spermatocyte arrest (n = 5); and group 3, Sertoli cell-only syndrome (n = 5). The levels of hspA2 mRNA expression were compared in testes of group 1, group 2, and group 3 with the use of a competitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique.


METHODS
Comparison of hspA2 mRNA levels in testes.


RESULTS
On competitive RT-PCR analyses for hspA2 mRNA, significant hspA2 expression was observed in group 1, whereas a very low level of hspA2 was expressed in groups 2 and 3.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that hspA2 gene expression is down-regulated in human testes with abnormal spermatogenesis, which in turn suggests that the hspA2 gene might play a specific role during meiosis in human testes.
Son
W Y
WY
Pundang Je-Saeng General Hospital, Dae-jin Medical Center, Kyungki-do, Korea, USA. sonyoung@dmc.or.kr
Han
C T
CT
Hwang
S H
SH
Lee
J H
JH
Kim
S
S
Kim
Y C
YC
D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D018840:HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000378:metabolism*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000502:physiology; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013737:Testis / Q000378:metabolism*
D018840:HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; C091879:HSPA2 protein, human; D012333:RNA, Messenger