Objective: To investigate the relationship between the expression of protamine-2 (P-2) mRNA and the results of sperm extraction in the corresponding testis tissues of patients with nonobstructive azoospermia.
Methods: Based on pathological diagnosis, 38 cases of azoospermia at the mean age of 32.4 (ranging 24 - 42) years were divided into a nonobstructive (NOA) group and an obstructive (OA) group. Two specimens were taken from different positions of one testis, each divided into three portions for general pathological test, sperm separation and mRNA extraction, respectively. The expression of P-2 mRNA was determined by RT-PCR and image analysis assay.
Results: Among the 38 cases, 27 were diagnosed as nonobstructive and 11 as obstructive azoospermia. No regularity was found as to the positions where sperm could or could not be successfully isolated. The expression of P-2 mRNA was 1.40 +/- 0.21 in the tissues where sperm was isolated and 0.51 +/- 0.23 (P < 0.05) in those where no sperm was isolated.
Conclusion: The expression of P-2 mRNA in the testicular tissues from the patient with nonobstructive azoospermia could reveal the results of sperm extraction in the corresponding tissues.