Chromosomal and Morphological Structure of Mature and Immature Male Germ Cells and Recognition of IL-18 in Testicular Tissue of Azoospermic Men

October 15, 2007 updated by: Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center

To develop a biotechnological assay which will be able to recognize germ cells of the spermatogenic lineand and to identify the chromosomal and morphological structure of mature and immature male germ cells, in cases of of sperm production disorders(azoospermic patients).

To recognize IL-18 in testicular tissue of azoospermic men compared to control group as it has been suggested that this cytokine may serve as a paracrine defense factor in the male gonad associated to spermatogenesis.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Detailed Description

A new biotechnological assay was developed by adapting an existing computerized system which scans cell morphology and chromosomal ploidy in the same cell of hematologic line using digital technology, to recognize germ cells of the testis by their morphology and cytogenetics. Testicular tissues which obtained from 15 men were enzymatically digested and the cells received were fixed on slides. The cells were stained by Giemsa May Grinwald staining and scanned automatically in a bright field for cell morphology. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using centromeric probes for chromosomes X, Y and 18 was performed on the same slide after destaining. The cells were automatically scanned and classified according to the ploidy of the chromosome signals. The presence of IL-18 in the same men's testis was examined parallelly, by immunohistochimical staining using specific antibody for human IL-18.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

25907

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

      • Zrifin, Israel
        • Infertility unit, Asaf-Harofeh Medical Center

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

22 years to 39 years (Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

Male

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Non-obstructive azoospermic patients

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Obstructive azoospermia

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Raphael Ron-el, professor, Assaf-Harofeh Medical Canter

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

March 1, 2006

Study Completion (Actual)

September 1, 2007

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

October 14, 2007

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

October 15, 2007

First Posted (Estimate)

October 16, 2007

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimate)

October 16, 2007

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

October 15, 2007

Last Verified

March 1, 2006

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 37/06

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