Transcripts of testicular gonadotropin-releasing hormone, steroidogenic enzymes, and intratesticular testosterone levels in infertile men.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expressions of testicular GnRH and steroidogenic enzymes and their correlations with intratesticular T levels (ITT) and serum hormonal parameters in infertile men.


METHODS
Prospective case study.


METHODS
University reproductive laboratory and clinics.


METHODS
Thirty-four azoospermic men.


METHODS
The mRNA transcript levels of GnRH-I, GnRH-II, GnRH-R, and five steroidogenic enzymes in the testes of azoospermic men were determined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. The ITT level was determined by radioimmunoassay.


METHODS
Transcript levels of genes and ITT determination.


RESULTS
The mRNA transcript levels of GnRH-I, GnRH-II, GnRH-R, cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (CYP11A1), and 3beta-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme (HSD3B2) as well as the ITT levels were significantly increased in patients with spermatogenic failure, especially in men with Sertoli cell-only syndrome. GnRH-I and -II mRNA transcript levels positively correlated with HSD3B2 mRNA transcript levels, ITT levels, and serum FSH levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased testicular GnRH transcripts, steroidogenic enzyme transcripts, and ITT levels are associated with spermatogenic failure in infertile men. Testicular GnRH is involved in the regulation of human spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.
Lin
Yung Ming
YM
Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Poon
Song Ling
SL
Choi
Jung Hye
JH
Lin
Johnny Shinn Nan
JS
Leung
Peter C K
PC
Huang
Bu Miin
BM
D000328:Adult; D053713:Azoospermia / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*; D002786:Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme / Q000235:genetics; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011375:Progesterone Reductase / Q000235:genetics; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D011966:Receptors, LHRH / Q000235:genetics; D013737:Testis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000201:enzymology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000032:analysis*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D015854:Up-Regulation
D011498:Protein Precursors; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011966:Receptors, LHRH; C050866:progonadoliberin I; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D013739:Testosterone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; C533068:3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type II; D011375:Progesterone Reductase; D002786:Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme