Project description:The project aimed to compare testicular proteomes from patients with obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia in order to identify molecular signatures involved in spermatogenesis as well to identify candidate biomarkers for discriminating between different types of azoospermia. The samples used in this study were formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) testicular tissues obtained by biopsy from men with clinical diagnosis of azoospermia. Samples were grouped according to the histopathological report in 3 groups: 1) Spermatogenesis (obstructive azoospermia), 2) Hypospermatogenesis and 3) Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCO). Patients were aged 31–46 years with no differences among groups regarding age (Median age (Hypospermatogenesis) =35; Median age (SCO) =34 and Median age (Spermatogenesis) =39). Each group had 9 samples or 27 samples in total were used for the comparative proteomics analysis by label-free data-independent LC-MS/MS.
Project description:Our study utilizes whole transcriptome analysis via microarray technology to uncover non-coding RNA regulators and hub genes within sperm samples afflicted by non-obstructive azoospermia. This comprehensive approach offers insight into the intricate molecular landscape underlying this condition, shedding light on potential regulatory mechanisms and key genetic players implicated in its pathogenesis.
Project description:To investigate in situ transcriptome of spermatocytes in non-obstructive azoospermia , we microdissected spermatocytes in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded testicular biopsy tissue from two types of non-obstructive azoospermia and obstructive azoospermia as a control, and then constructed cDNA libraries based on Smart-3SEQ method.
Project description:Non-invasive molecular biomarkers for differential diagnosis of the origin of azoospermia into obstructive azoospermia (OA) or secretory azoospermia (SA), as well as for prediction of the presence of residual spermatogenesis in testicular tissue of patients presenting with SA, are of great interest for TESE outcome prediction in assisted reproduction. Our previous study of several hundreds of miRNAs suggested the use of some sEV-miRNAs from seminal plasma as biomarkers for the origin of azoospermia. In this regard, studying more in depth sncRNAs in EVs from semen of azoospermic individuals will be useful to select additional non-invasive biomarkers with diagnostic/prognostic purposes which could help in the identification of those individuals with real chances of positive sperm recovery on the testicular biopsy prior to assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatment. A high-throughput sncRNA profiling analysis using paired-end small RNA-seq was performed in seminal sEVs from azoospermia and normozoospermic individuals.
Project description:We analyzed gene expression profiles of human testicular biopsies in men with idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia who underwent therapy with hCG/rFSH. Using new generation oligonucleotide microarray platform GeneChip® Human Gene 1.0 ST, we identified genes which could be potential prognostic biomarkers of azoospermia treatment. We analyzed 6 testicular biopsy samples with Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 ST microarrays. 3 of them were obtained from patients with NOA, who positively responded to hormonal therapy and 3 non-respoders.
Project description:Transcriptional profiling of Homo sapiens inflammatory skin diseases (whole skin biospies): Psoriasis (Pso), vs Atopic Dermatitis (AD) vs Lichen planus (Li), vs Contact Eczema (KE), vs Healthy control (KO) In recent years, different genes and proteins have been highlighted as potential biomarkers for psoriasis, one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases worldwide. However, most of these markers are not psoriasis-specific but also found in other inflammatory disorders. We performed an unsupervised cluster analysis of gene expression profiles in 150 psoriasis patients and other inflammatory skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, lichen planus, contact eczema, and healthy controls). We identified a cluster of IL-17/TNFα-associated genes specifically expressed in psoriasis, among which IL-36γ was the most outstanding marker. In subsequent immunohistological analyses IL-36γ was confirmed to be expressed in psoriasis lesions only. IL-36γ peripheral blood serum levels were found to be closely associated with disease activity, and they decreased after anti-TNFα-treatment. Furthermore, IL-36γ immunohistochemistry was found to be a helpful marker in the histological differential diagnosis between psoriasis and eczema in diagnostically challenging cases. These features highlight IL-36γ as a valuable biomarker in psoriasis patients, both for diagnostic purposes and measurement of disease activity during the clinical course. Furthermore, IL-36γ might also provide a future drug target, due to its potential amplifier role in TNFα- and IL-17 pathways in psoriatic skin inflammation. In recent years, different genes and proteins have been highlighted as potential biomarkers for psoriasis, one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases worldwide. However, most of these markers are not psoriasis-specific but also found in other inflammatory disorders. We performed an unsupervised cluster analysis of gene expression profiles in 150 psoriasis patients and other inflammatory skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, lichen planus, contact eczema, and healthy controls). We identified a cluster of IL-17/TNFα-associated genes specifically expressed in psoriasis, among which IL-36γ was the most outstanding marker. In subsequent immunohistological analyses IL-36γ was confirmed to be expressed in psoriasis lesions only. IL-36γ peripheral blood serum levels were found to be closely associated with disease activity, and they decreased after anti-TNFα-treatment. Furthermore, IL-36γ immunohistochemistry was found to be a helpful marker in the histological differential diagnosis between psoriasis and eczema in diagnostically challenging cases. These features highlight IL-36γ as a valuable biomarker in psoriasis patients, both for diagnostic purposes and measurement of disease activity during the clinical course. Furthermore, IL-36γ might also provide a future drug target, due to its potential amplifier role in TNFα- and IL-17 pathways in psoriatic skin inflammation.
Project description:We analyzed gene expression profiles of human testicular biopsies in men with idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia who underwent therapy with hCG/rFSH. Using new generation oligonucleotide microarray platform GeneChip® Human Gene 1.0 ST, we identified genes which could be potential prognostic biomarkers of azoospermia treatment.
Project description:The accurate diagnosis of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and obstructive azoospermia (OA) is crucial for selecting appropriate clinical treatments. This study aimed to investigate the pivotal role of miRNAs in circulating plasma exosomes in distinguishing between NOA and OA, as well as uncovering the signaling pathways involved in azoospermia pathogenesis. In this study, differential expression of extracellular vesicles (EVs) miR-513c-5p and miR-202-5p was observed between NOA and OA patients, while the selenocompound metabolism pathway was identified as relevant to azoospermia pathogenesis through Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. The predictive power of these microRNAs was evaluated using ROC-AUC analysis, demonstrating promising sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values. A binomial regression equation incorporating circulating plasma levels of EVs miR-202-5p and miR-513c-5p along with follicle-stimulating hormone was calculated to provide a clinically applicable method for diagnosing NOA and OA. This study presents a non-invasive testing approach for distinguishing between NOA and OA, offering a valuable tool for clinical practice.