Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

06:28
Vessel-Sparing Microsurgical Longitudinal Intussusception Vasoepididymostomy to Treat Epididymal Obstructive Azoospermia
Published on: May 27, 2022
[Expression of COX10 in human non-obstructive azoospermia testes]
Bo Yang1, Jian-Lin Yuan, Xiao-Kang Gao
1Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710033, China. drboyung@yahoo.com.cn
Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue = National Journal of Andrology
|August 22, 2009
Summary
Cyclooxygenase-10 (COX10) mRNA expression is significantly decreased in the testes of men with non-obstructive azoospermia. This finding suggests COX10 may play a role in male infertility.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Reproductive biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Non-obstructive azoospermia is a leading cause of male infertility.
- Gene expression profiling offers insights into the molecular mechanisms of azoospermia.
Purpose:
- To investigate the expression levels of COX10 mRNA in testicular tissues of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia compared to normal individuals.
- To identify potential roles of COX10 in the pathogenesis of male infertility.
Summary:
- A cDNA microarray analysis revealed 128 differentially expressed genes in azoospermic testes, with COX10 showing significantly decreased mRNA expression.
- In situ hybridization confirmed reduced COX10 mRNA levels in spermatogenic cells of azoospermic testes compared to fertile controls.
- These findings indicate a potential association between reduced COX10 expression and non-obstructive azoospermia.
Impact:
- The study highlights COX10 as a potential biomarker or therapeutic target for non-obstructive azoospermia.
- cDNA microarray technology is validated as a useful tool for screening azoospermia-associated genes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Infertility in Males
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
Testes: Histology
A tough, fibrous membrane, the tunica albuginea, covers the testes, extending inward to form fibrous partitions or septa, dividing them into internal compartments called lobules. Each lobule has 1 to 3 tightly coiled seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs. These tubules merge into a tubular network at the back of the testis, known as the rete testis. It connects to 15 to 20 efferent ductules, leading to the epididymis.
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
The spermatogenic cells, responsible for producing sperm, are...
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...
Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that involves the development of sperm cells from undifferentiated stem cells in the seminiferous tubules of the testes. The process is essential for the production of mature and functional sperm cells that are capable of fertilizing an egg.
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
The process of spermatogenesis can be divided into mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. During mitosis, the spermatogonia or stem cells divide to produce two identical daughter cells, type A and B spermatogonia. Type-A...
Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
During ejaculation, males release around 2-5 milliliters of semen, which is a complex mixture of mature sperm and various fluids produced by accessory glands. The mature sperm cells measure approximately 60 micrometers in length and consist of a head, neck, midpiece, and tail. The head is flattened and tapered, measuring about 4 to 5 micrometers in length. It contains a nucleus with condensed chromosomes and an acrosome, a cap-like structure filled with enzymes essential for penetrating the...
Testes: Gross Anatomy
The testes, also known as testicles, are the male gonads. They are housed within the scrotum, a sac-like structure located beneath the penis. The scrotum's primary role is to regulate the temperature of the testes, which is crucial for sperm production.
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
Each testis is surrounded by the tunica albuginea, a dense connective tissue layer that provides structural support and protection. This layer is covered by an outer serous membrane called the tunica vaginalis, which helps reduce friction...
