Testicular expression of survivin and human telomerase reverse transcriptase(hTERT)associated with spermatogenic function in infertile patients

Aim:To characterize the coexpression of survivin,an inhibitor of apoptosis(IAF),and human telomerase reversetranscriptase(hTERT)in human testes with varying spermatogenic function.Methods:Transcript levels of survivinmRNA and hTERT mRNA were determined in normal testes(n=11)and testes with defective spermatogenesis(n=28)using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The histological work-up wasperformed according to a modified Johnsen score.Results:Expressions of both survivin and hTERT were highest atmedian levels of 96.8 and 709 in normal spermatogenesis and dropped to 53.3 and 534 in testes with postmeioticspermatogenic arrest(n=10).In severe spermatogenic failure(n=18),survivin expression was lacking in mostspecimens(n=16),whereas at least low levels of testicular hTERT expression were largely detectable with a normal-ized expression of 73 in premeiotic spermatogenic arrest(n=7)and 45 in patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome(SCOS)(n=3).Both survivin and hTERT expressions increased with a progressing Johnsen score(P for trend =0.001).Conclusion:Although both survivin and hTERT are correlated with spermatogenic function,they show differentexpression patterns in testes of infertile patients.These findings substantiate results from studies in the rodent testissuggesting a predominant expression of survivin in meiotically dividing germ cells.(Asian J Androl 2006 Jan;8:95-100)