title: Transcripts of testicular gonadotropin-releasing hormone, steroidogenic enzymes, and intratesticular testosterone levels in infertile men.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Urology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
authors: Yung Ming
authors: YM
authors: Lin
authors: Song Ling
authors: SL
authors: Poon
authors: Jung Hye
authors: JH
authors: Choi
authors: Johnny Shinn Nan
authors: JS
authors: Lin
authors: Peter C K
authors: PC
authors: Leung
authors: Bu Miin
authors: BM
authors: Huang
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: 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