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Leydig Cells in Patients with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Do They Really Proliferate?
Dinko Hauptman1,2, Marta Himelreich Perić1, Tihana Marić1
1Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 27, 2021
Summary
Leydig cells decrease in number in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), contrary to proliferation. Interstitial fibrosis and inflammation likely contribute to these Leydig cell changes in NOA.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Infertility Research
Background:
- Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is a leading cause of male infertility.
- NOA stems from testicular disorders affecting sperm production.
- Leydig cell function is crucial for male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine Leydig cell morphology and proliferation in NOA patients.
- To compare Leydig cell characteristics between NOA and obstructive azoospermia (OA) groups.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of testicular biopsies from 48 NOA and 24 OA patients.
- Immunohistochemistry and stereological morphometry used for Leydig cell evaluation.
Main Results:
- Leydig cells in NOA sometimes formed clusters with hypertrophic cytoplasm.
- Interstitial fibrosis and inflammation were observed in some NOA samples.
- Stereological analysis revealed a decrease, not proliferation, in Leydig cell number in NOA.
Conclusions:
- A reduction in Leydig cell count occurs in NOA.
- Previous inflammation and interstitial fibrosis may cause Leydig cell loss.
- Interstitial fibrosis might negatively impact Leydig cell function in NOA.
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