Molecular genetic and laboratory findings in infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia

Objectives:To study therelationship between Y-chromosome microdeletions withclinicaland laboratory findings in infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Design: Cross-sectionalstudy. Patients: Infertile men withnon-obstructive azoospermia (n = 146). Methods: Clinical evaluation and scrotal colour Doppler ultrasonography were evaluated. Standard semen analysis andserum levels of hormones(FSH, LH, total testosterone and prolactin) were performed. Multiplex PCR was done for detection of Y chromosome microdeletions. Results:AZF deletions were detected in 9.59% of azoospermic men.CompleteAZFc was detected in 2.05% of azoospermic men.Partial AZFc deletions were found in 7.5% of azoospermic men, with gr/gr deletion in 6.85% and b2/b3 deletion in 0.69%.There was no significant difference between patients with AZF deletions and azoospermic men without deletions as regards testicular volume and serum levels of reproductive hormones. Conclusions:Microdeletions of Y chromosome may play a role in pathogenesis of NOA. The testicular volumes as well as levels of reproductive hormoneswere not correlated with the finding of Y chromosome microdeletions.