Endocrine Abstracts

Spermatogenesis is a complex process involving interactions between the somatic cells (Sertoli, Leydig, peritubular) and germ cells within the adult testis. Androgens are key regulators of spermatogenesis and intra-testicular concentrations of testosterone (T), produced by the Leydig cells, are higher than that in blood. Androgen action is mediated by the androgen receptor (AR), an X-chromosome-encoded, ligand-activated, transcription factor. The mechanisms by which androgens ...

Klinefelter syndrome (XXY males) is the most common sex chromosome aneuploidy, occurring in about 1 per 500 men. To study the underlying molecular mechanisms caused by the extra X chromosome, we have developed an experimental mouse model for men with Klinefelter’s syndrome. We have demonstrated that adult XXY mice have absence of germ cells, decreased serum testosterone levels, and elevated gonadotropin levels. Testicular failure begins early as a result of massive germ c...

Male infertility is a common disorder and a growing health problem. A large proportion of unexplained cases have been summarily categorised as idiopathic infertility. The majority of idiopathic cases, especially those with severely impaired spermatogenesis incl. azoospermia, are presumably caused by genetic defects. Genetics of male infertility has been a largely unexplored area, until quite recently, when new molecular tools unabled discovery of a growing number of genes invo...

Various types of human germ cell tumors (GCTs) can be found, referred to as type I, II and III. The type I are the teratomas and yolk sac tumors of neonates and infants. No genomic aberrations have been identified in teratomas, while yolk sac tumors show chromosomal imbalances related to chromosomes 1, 6 and 20. Type II GCTs are the seminomas and nonseminomas, derived from carcinoma in situ (CIS)/intratubular germ cell neoplasia unclassified (ITGCNU). CIS/ITGCNU and sem...