Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Systems biology in reproductive medicine, cilt.67, sa.6, ss.463-470, 2021 (SCI-Expanded)
In this study, the expression of the androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha) in testicular tissue of male patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. NOA (n = 23) and OA (n = 21) groups were created according to clinical and laboratory archival records. Testicular sperm extraction tissue sections were evaluated according to Johnsen's tubular biopsy scoring (JTBS) method. ER alpha and AR immunostaining results were evaluated semiquantitatively. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and estradiol were analyzed. Serum FSH and LH concentrations were greater, and testosterone concentrations were lower than the normal values in the NOA group, whereas the OA group revealed normal hormonal values. Serum estradiol concentrations in groups were in the normal range. JTBSs were significantly lower in the NOA group. Decreased AR expression and increased ER alpha expression were observed in the NOA group compared to the OA group. This suggests that ER alpha and AR are expressed in Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and myoid cells and are required for normal testicular function. Decreased expression of the AR and increased expression of ER alpha in the testis may negatively affect spermatogenesis.