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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology

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Open Access 01-12-2009 | Research

Altered microRNA expression in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia

Authors: Jie Lian, Xiansheng Zhang, Hui Tian, Ning Liang, Yong Wang, Chaozhao Liang, Xin Li, Fei Sun

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNA molecules, are indicated to play essential roles in spermatogenesis. However, little is known about the expression patterns or function of miRNAs in human testes involved in infertility.

Methods

In this study, the miRNA expression profiles of testes of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and normal controls were performed by using microarray technologies.

Results

Altered microRNA expression in NOA patients was found, with 154 differentially down-regulated and 19 up-regulated miRNAs. These findings have been confirmed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays on select miRNAs, including miR-302a, miR-491-3p, miR-520d-3p and miR-383. Several down-regulated miRNA clusters in patients with NOA were identified, such as the oncogenic potential of the mir-17-92 cluster and mir-371,2,3 cluster.

Conclusion

This is the first report that the expression of miRNAs is altered in testicular tissues of patients with NOA, suggesting a role of miRNAs in regulating spermatogenesis in human males.

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Title: Altered microRNA expression in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Jie Lian
Xiansheng Zhang
Hui Tian
Ning Liang
Yong Wang
Chaozhao Liang
Xin Li
Fei Sun
Publication date: 01-12-2009
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-7-13

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Altered microRNA expression in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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