Analysis of FSH-Receptor Expression in Testis of Infertile Men with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA)

The elevated levels of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) are associated with the down-regulation of FSH receptors on Sertoli cells, leading to the condition of azoospermia. In this study, we collected a total of 45 samples of testicular tissue from NOA patients using the TESE procedure, and blood samples were obtained from the cubital vein. Based on the initial assessment of FSH hormone levels, the samples were divided into two groups: one with normal FSH levels and the other with high FSH levels. The analysis of FSH receptor expression in testicular tissue was performed using immunohistochemical methods, while serum FSH levels were measured using the ELISA method. The findings revealed that FSH receptor expression in the normal FSH group was significantly higher compared to the high FSH group (163.64 vs. 145.00). The Mann-Whitney test demonstrated a significant difference between the two groups in terms of FSH receptor expression. Moreover, the Kendall Correlation Test indicated a negative correlation (r = 0.435) between the level of FSH secretion and FSH receptor expression (P = 0.00). In conclusion, there is a notable decrease in FSH receptor expression in the seminiferous tubules of NOA patients with high FSH levels. Furthermore, there is an inverse relationship between the serum FSH levels and the expression of FSH receptors.