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Overexpression of CYP19A1 aromatase in Leydig cells is associated with steroidogenic dysfunction in subjects with Sertoli cell‐only syndrome

Summary Several observational studies have showed a combination of lower testosterone (T) to LH ratio and higher estradiol (E2) to T ratio in secretory infertile men compared to men with normal spermatogenesis, suggesting a steroidogenic dysfunction of Leydig cells (Lc) that may involve increased ar...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Andrology (Oxford) 2017-01, Vol.5 (1), p.41-48
Main Authors: Lardone, M. C., Argandoña, F., Flórez, M., Parada‐Bustamante, A., Ebensperger, M., Palma, C., Piottante, A., Castro, A.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Summary Several observational studies have showed a combination of lower testosterone (T) to LH ratio and higher estradiol (E2) to T ratio in secretory infertile men compared to men with normal spermatogenesis, suggesting a steroidogenic dysfunction of Leydig cells (Lc) that may involve increased aromatase activity. Low T/LH ratio is associated with Lc hyperplasia, which together with LH hyperstimulation may represent compensation for impaired T production. Aromatase expression and oestrogen production are mainly detected in Lc of the testis, although Sertoli and germ cells also contribute to testicular aromatase activity. The aim of this study was to assess the transcriptional expression of CYP19A1 (aromatase) in isolated Lc of subjects with Sertoli cell‐only syndrome (SCOS) and signs of Lc impairment. Nineteen patients with SCOS and 10 controls with normal spermatogenesis who had medical indication of testicular biopsy for sperm retrieval were studied. Leydig cells were isolated by Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) and CYP19A1 mRNA expression was quantified by SYBR® Green‐based qPCR. In addition, testicular T and E2 and serum hormonal levels were measured. Relative to control group, CYP19A1 was overexpressed more than twofold in 10/19 cases (2.3–12.2‐fold increase), showing a significant increment in cases with low T/LH ratio (T/LH 
ISSN:2047-2919
2047-2927
DOI:10.1111/andr.12289