Objectives: To study the relationship between Y-chromosome microdeletions with clinical and laboratory findings in infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Patients: Infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia (n = 146).
Methods: Clinical evaluation and scrotal colour Doppler ultrasonography were evaluated. Standard semen analysis and serum levels of hormones (FSH, LH, total testosterone and prolactin) were performed. Multiplex PCR was done for detection of Y chromosome microdeletions.
Results: AZF deletions were detected in 9.59% of azoospermic men. Complete AZFc was detected in 2.05% of azoospermic men. Partial AZFc deletions were found in 7.5% of azoospermic men, with gr/gr deletion in 6.85% and b2/b3 deletion in 0.69%. There was no significant difference between patients with AZF deletions and azoospermic men without deletions as regards testicular volume and serum levels of reproductive hormones.
Conclusions: Microdeletions of Y chromosome may play a role in pathogenesis of NOA. The testicular volumes as well as levels of reproductive hormones were not correlated with the finding of Y chromosome microdeletions.