• PMID: 8579477
• Gene Name: GNAI1
• Condition: Non-obstructive azoospermia
• Association: These results support the notion that Spermatogenic arrest is associated with a decrease in alpha G that is less marked that seen in obstruction. The search for germinal epithelium cells in semen also allows discrimination between these two azoospermic gr
• Population size: 48
• Population details: 48 (15 vasectomized males, 7 azoospermics with obstruction)
• Sex: Male
• Infertility type: Male infertility
• Other associated phenotypes: Non-obstructive azoospermia

Alpha-1,4-glucosidase activity and the presence of germinal epithelium cells in the semen for differential diagnosis of obstructive and nonobstructive azoospermia

Sandoval L, Diaz M, Rivas F.

Among azoospermics, the activity of seminal alpha-glucosidase (alpha G) is low in obstruction (OBS) cases, but there is no agreement regarding its value in others. With the hypothesis that a more marked decrease in alpha G activity occurs in OBS than in spermatogenesis arrest (SA), the enzyme was measured in the following groups: (1) vasectomized males (n = 15), (2) azoospermics with OBS (n = 7), (3) azoospermics with SA (n = 11), and (4) fertile males (n = 15). Patients within groups 2 and 3 had a testicular volume > or = 15 mL, no clinical evidence of abnormal epididymis, normal serum gonadotropins, and histological diagnosis. alpha G activities (mU/g protein, means +/- SD) by group were (1) 131 +/- 60, (2) 312 +/- 186, (3) 728 +/- 303, and (4) 1176 +/- 374. All between-group differences were significant (t test, p < .01), except for groups 1 vs. 2 comparison (.05 > p > .01). These results support the notion that SA is associated with a decrease in alpha G that is less marked that seen in OBS. The search for germinal epithelium cells in semen also allows discrimination between these two azoospermic groups. FAU - Sandoval, L AU - Sandoval L AD - División de Genética, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. FAU - Diaz, M AU - Diaz M