Biomedical subjects

Kurt Miller

Publications and source records attributed to Kurt Miller.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Relationship between cytokines and the embryotoxicity of hydrosalpingeal fluid.

OBJECTIVE: The exact chemical composition of hydrosalpingeal fluid is unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize cytokines in hydrosalpingeal fluid (HSF) and examine their possible role in the embryo development. STUDY DESIGN: HSF was aspirated at laparoscopic salpingectomy in eight infertile women. Levels of IL-1beta, IL-13, IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the HSF were determined by quantitative immunoassay kits. Two-cell mouse embryos were incubated with 0, 25, 50 and 75% concentrations of HSF. The blastocyst development rate (BDR) of mouse embryos was measured at each HSF concentration. RESULT(S): The embryotoxicity of HSF was concentration dependent. An increase in the HSF concentration resulted in significant decrease in % BDR (p < 0.01). IL-1beta was present in six of the eight HSF samples with a mean (+/-SD) concentration of 0.9 +/- 0.8 pg/mL. IL-13 was not detected in any of the HSF samples. IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-alpha were detected in all samples with a mean (+/-SD) concentration of 4741.2 +/- 6554.4 pg/mL, 204.8+/-132.8 pg/ml and 12 +/- 12.8 pg/mL respectively. IL-6 was positively correlated with BDR (r = 0.53; p < 0.04). CONCLUSION(S): We demonstrated for the first time the presence of IL-1beta, IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-alpha and the absence of IL-13 in human hydrosalpingeal fluid. IL-6 was positively related to the BDR.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Expression levels of the inhibitor of apoptosis survivin in testes of patients with normal spermatogenesis and spermatogenic failure.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis survivin in men with and without spermatogenic failure. DESIGN: Prospective case study. SETTING: Two university-based infertility clinics. PATIENT(S): Forty-nine infertile men presenting with azoospermia. INTERVENTION(S): Testicular biopsies for histopathological assessment and analyses of survivin expression levels by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Survivin levels were normalized to expression of the housekeeping porphobilinogen deaminase gene. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Correlation of the histological findings with normalized survivin expression levels. RESULTS(S): Testicular survivin mRNA expression was highest in normal spermatogenesis (n = 14). Decreased expression was observed in patients with spermatogenesis disorders. The expression level correlated with the degree of spermatogenic failure. While it was reduced in postmeiotic maturation arrest (n = 11), a lack of expression was seen in most specimens (10 of 12) with premeiotic maturation arrest and in all of those with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (n = 12). CONCLUSION(S): These data indicate that survivin is expressed in human germ cells and might be involved in apoptosis control during spermatogenesis. Decreased survivin expression in spermatogenic disorders may contribute to the accelerated germ cell apoptosis observed in male idiopathic infertility.

Atrophy↗

PubMed2005

Repeated botulinum-A toxin injections in treatment of children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the long-term success of treatment with repeated botulinum-A toxin (BTX-A; Botox) injections into the detrusor muscle for neurogenic detrusor overactivity in children. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 10 children (average age at first injection 11.2 years) with neurogenic detrusor overactivity who had received at least three BTX-A detrusor injections; four had received five or more injections. The total dose of BTX-A was 85 to 300 U. We measured the urodynamic outcomes 6 months after each injection and compared the results after the first injection with the results after the third and fifth injections (in the children who had five or more injections). RESULTS: The relative changes--each in comparison with the value before injection therapy--after the first versus the fifth injection were as follows: the reflex volume increased by 81% versus 88%, maximal detrusor pressure decreased by 7% versus 39%, maximal cystometric bladder capacity increased by 88% versus 72%, and bladder compliance showed no change at the 6-month follow-up visit after the first injection and an increase of 109% after the fifth injection. The results after the third injection were generally similar to those after the fifth injection. No major side effects occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Although we surveyed only a few patients, the efficacy seems clear in all the urodynamic measures after repeated BTX-A detrusor injections in children with neurogenic bladder. Also, we found no evidence of drug tolerance. Thus, BTX-A detrusor injection has gained additional importance in the treatment of these difficult-to-treat patients.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Quantification of survivin mRNA in testes of infertile patients and in testicular germ cell tumours: high levels of expression associated with normal spermatogenesis.

Deregulated apoptosis of germ cells may contribute to male infertility as well as malignant transformation. Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), is overexpressed in all the most common human malignancies, but barely detectable in normal tissues. We used real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to quantify survivin mRNA expression in normal testes (n = 22), testes with defective spermatogenesis (n = 26) and testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs; n = 16). Survivin was expressed at high levels in normal testes. Testicular survivin levels in infertile patients were related inversely to the severity of spermatogenic failure (p < 0.001), with a lack of expression in most specimens with pre-meiotic spermatogenic arrest and in all those with germ cell aplasia. Lower levels of expression were observed in TGCTs than in normal testes. While survivin expression was detected in most TGCTs with undifferentiated components (12 of 13), it was absent in all mature teratomas (n = 3). These data show that survivin is expressed in normal and transformed germ cells. Its downregulation in spermatogenic disorders indicates that survivin may contribute to the normal balance between germ cell proliferation and apoptosis. In TGCTs, survivin expression appears to be lost with somatic differentiation.

Gene Expression Profiling↗

PubMed2005

Acucise endopyelotomy: a technique with limited efficacy for primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults.

AIM: To retrospectively evaluate the ef fi cacy of Acucise endopyelotomy in a series of patients with primary ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). METHODS: Twenty-four patients with a symptomatic primary UPJO underwent Acucise endopyelotomy. Patients with high-grade hydronephrosis and/or poor renal function were excluded. Patients were followed by ultrasound imaging, intravenous urography, diuretic renography, and clinical review. RESULTS: The overall success rate was 58% (14/24 patients), with a median follow up of 32 months. Of the ten patients in whom Acucise endopyelotomy failed, seven underwent open pyeloplasty, one required nephrectomy, and two received a permanent ureteral stent. A poor outcome was noted in patients without perioperative extravasation. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience with Acucise endopyelotomy indicates that the success rate is lower than initially reported. Larger studies are needed to clarify the role of Acucise endopyelotomy in comparison with other techniques.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

New perioperative management reduces bleeding in radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of modifications to radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP, known to be associated with severe bleeding) on blood loss in a retrospective analysis comparing RRPs by one experienced surgeon before and after the changes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The new method comprised reducing the intravenously applied volume, using a peridural catheter and maintaining a 25-30 degrees Trendelenburg position. The difference in haemoglobin before and after RRP was analysed before the changes (group 1) and after (group 2). If transfusions were required the haemoglobin value was corrected, whereby 1 mL of erythrocyte concentrate increased the patient's haemoglobin by 0.03 g/L. RESULTS: Assessment was possible in 201 of 234 patients, 110 from group 1 and 91 from group 2. The mean transfusion-corrected difference in haemoglobin was 53 g/L in group 1 (20% transfusion rate) and 35.2 g/L in group 2 (1.09% transfusion rate; P > 0.001). The median intravenous volume applied was 5.96 L in group 1 and 3.49 L in group 2 (P < 0.001). The complication rate did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: This new method minimizes the intraoperative blood loss during RRP; transfusions are only necessary in rare cases and the complication rate remained unaltered.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗

PubMed2005

Expression levels of the EZH2 polycomb transcriptional repressor correlate with aggressiveness and invasive potential of bladder carcinomas.

The polycomb group protein enhancer of zeste 2 (EZH2) is a transcriptional repressor involved in the control of cellular proliferation and oncogenesis. The aim of the present study was to quantify EZH2 expression in bladder carcinomas and to correlate the data with clinicopathological findings. EZH2 mRNA expression was measured by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in tumor tissue specimens obtained from 37 patients with urothelial carcinomas of the bladder and in four bladder cancer cell lines. EZH2 levels were normalized to expression of the housekeeping porphobilinogen deaminase gene. EZH2 transcripts were commonly detected in tumor tissue. Transcript levels correlated significantly with the invasiveness of bladder tumors (p = 0.029) with elevated EZH2 mRNA expression measured in invasive bladder carcinomas (median value, 38.92) compared with non-invasive tumors (15.51). In addition, levels of expression were significantly higher in high-grade (G3) than in low-grade (G1/2) lesions (p < 0.001). EZH2 mRNA levels in bladder carcinoma cell lines were within the range of high-grade invasive bladder cancers. In conclusion, expression levels of EZH2 are elevated in aggressive and invasive urothelial carcinomas, suggesting that deregulated EZH2 expression may be involved in the progression of bladder tumors.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

The inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) survivin is expressed in human testicular germ cell tumors and normal testes.

Deregulated apoptosis of germ cells may contribute to malignant transformation as well as male infertility. We analyzed expression of the inhibitor of apoptosis survivin by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs, n=28), normal testes (n=19) and testes with defective spermatogenesis (n=22). In a subset of samples (n=35), survivin transcript levels were quantified using real-time PCR. While survivin mRNA was expressed at high levels in undifferentiated TGCTs and normal testes, it was lost in mature teratomas and germ cell aplasia. Survivin expression in both normal and transformed germ cells is in contrast to its sharp differential expression in other tissues. Survivin expression correlates with the differentiation state of TGCTs and may be relevant for their tumorigenesis and malignant potential.

Cell Transformation, Neoplastic↗

PubMed2004

Expression of the apoptosis inhibitor survivin in testicular tissue of infertile patients.

Summary Apoptosis is a common phenomenon during spermatogenesis, and its dysregulation has been associated with male infertility. Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis protein that regulates apoptosis at cell division and is overexpressed in common human cancers. We investigated whether survivin mRNA expression is detectable in testicular biopsies from patients with infertility of varying aetiology. The aim of this study was to examine the testicular survivin expression in azoospermic men with normal spermatogenesis and in those with specific spermatogenic disorders. Survivin mRNA expression was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in histologically classified testicular biopsy specimens from 30 azoospermic men. Survivin was found to be expressed in normal spermatogenesis (n = 10), in post-meiotic spermatogenic arrest (n = 6), and in specimens showing a mixed picture of pre-meiotic maturation arrest with sparse islands of post-meiotic arrest (n = 2). In contrast, a lack of survivin expression was seen in specimens without haploid germ cells (pre-meiotic maturation arrest, n = 2) and in those with Sertoli-cell-only syndrome (SCOS, n = 10). These data indicate for the first time that survivin is expressed in human testis. Moreover, its expression seems to correlate with the stage of maturation arrest in patients presenting with spermatogenic disorders. Survivin mRNA expression was not found in SCOS specimens, possibly indicating germ-cell-specific expression in human testicular tissue. Thus, survivin is a potential molecular marker of spermatogenesis, whose expression is altered in specific spermatogenic disorders.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed2003

Cyclin A1 is highly expressed in aggressive testicular germ cell tumors.

Cyclin A1 is a tissue-specific A-type cyclin that is essential for spermatogenesis. Overexpression of cyclin A1 was found in acute myeloid leukemia and cyclin A1 induced leukemia in a transgenic mouse model. We used quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to analyze cyclin A1 expression in solid tumors. Cyclin A1 expression was very low in breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and in cervical carcinoma. However, substantial expression of cyclin A1 was found in testicular and ovarian cancer and in endometrial cancer. In testis specimens, cyclin A1 expression was much higher in testicular tumors compared to Sertoli cell only syndrome that lacks spermatogenesis. Compared to normal spermatogenesis, testicular cancers expressed on average lower levels of cyclin A1. Among the different histological subtypes of testicular tumors, embryonal cell carcinomas and immature teratomas expressed the highest levels of cyclin A1. The cyclin A1 levels in these tumors were similar to those seen in normal testis. Seminomas and yolk sac tumors expressed intermediate levels, whereas cyclin A1 expression was very low in mature teratomas. These findings indicate that cyclin A1 is expressed in selected solid tumors. Its known oncogenic function and the high expression levels in aggressive testicular tumors suggest a role for cyclin A1 in germ cell tumorigenesis.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptor gene mRNA expression in human prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To determine quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detection of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) receptor mRNA expressing prostate cancer (CaP) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissue by sequence-specific detection with hybridization probes using the LightCycler. Various in vitro studies have indicated that LHRH agonists and antagonists may have a direct inhibitory effect on CaP mediated by specific LHRH receptors. The incidence of LHRH receptor mRNA expression was demonstrated in 50% to 100% of clinical CaP and BPH tissue by current RT-PCR methods. However, qualitative RT-PCR can only demonstrate the existence of a gene; an exact quantification of LHRH-receptor mRNA expression has not yet been done. METHODS: Quantitative real-time RT-PCR for LHRH receptor mRNA was performed using the LightCycler system and the RNA Amplification Kit hybridization probes in 35 patients with CaP and 38 patients with BPH. RESULTS: Thirty-one (88.6%) of the 35 patients with CaP and 36 (94.7%) of the 38 patients with BPH had positive RT-PCR for LHRH receptor mRNA. The number of positive amplifications per 1 microg total RNA was not significantly lower in CaP at 695,428 +/- 350,860 than in BPH at 1,617,654 +/- 787,874. Patients with CaP evidenced a significant negative correlation between the amplification rate for LHRH receptor mRNA and Gleason score (r = -0.476; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In the past, the potential mechanisms acting on LHRH receptors in CaP have been identified as possible antitumor strategies for this type of cancer. Our study is the first to show that CaP does not have a higher expression of LHRH receptor mRNA expression than BPH when using quantitative sequence-specific oligonucleotide hybridization probes that only detect certain PCR products.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2003

Methylation-specific PCR for DNA-based detection of occult tumor cells in lymph nodes of prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of methylation-specific PCR (MSP) for the detection of promoter hypermethylation of the detoxifying glutathione-S-transferase P1 gene (GSTP1) to detect occult prostate cancer cells in lymph nodes (LNs). METHODS: Paraffin-embedded pelvic LNs from 20 patients with pT2pN0M0R0 prostate cancer who developed PSA relapse were assessed by MSP. In 18 of the patients, samples of the primary tumor were obtained for MSP. In 19 patients, bone marrow (BM) aspirates were analyzed preoperatively for disseminated tumor cells by immunocytochemistry (mAb A45-B/B3). In 16 patients, biopsies of the anastomotic region were performed following PSA relapse. As a negative control GSTP1 methylation status was also assessed in LNs from 9 patients for whom an autopsy was performed for non-cancer-related causes. RESULTS: All primary tumors displayed GSTP1 hypermethylation (HM). Preoperative BM assessment showed disseminated tumor cells in 8/20 cases (40%). In 4 patients, biopsies of the vesico-urethral anastomosis showed local tumor recurrence. The LNs in the cancer patients showed GSTP1 HM in 18/20 cases (90%) versus 1/9 patients (11.1%) in the non-cancer cohort (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: GSTP1 HM appears to be well suited for molecular staging of prostate cancer and accurately detects disseminated tumor cells in LNs, which was seen in 90% of the patients with PSA relapse. However, the limited number of patients and the finding of benign and malignant prostatic tissue at the vesico-urethral anastomosis as a putative local source of PSA recurrence does not allow us to draw conclusions on the prognostic significance of our findings, yet.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Quantitative real-time rt-PCR for detection of circulating prostate-specific antigen mRNA using sequence-specific oligonucleotide hybridization probes in prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: A great number of studies have failed thus far to demonstrate that the presence of PSA-expressing tumor cells in the blood of prostate cancer (PC) patients is a highly sensitive prognostic marker, particularly after radical prostatectomy (RPX). These studies have only relied on qualitative or semiquantitative detection techniques, however. We report our initial experience in testing real-time RT-PCR for the detection of PSA mRNA using a quantitative online PCR system, the LightCycler(TM), and sequence-specific oligonucleotide hybridization probes. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained before and after surgery from 129 patients undergoing RPX for localized PC and from 19 patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Quantitative RT-PCR for the detection PSA mRNA was performed using the LightCycler system with RNA Amplification Kit Hybridization Probes and sequence-specific oligonucleotide hybridization probes. RESULTS: PSA mRNA was detected by the LightCycler in 28 patients (39%) with pT2 tumors, in 22 patients (38%) with >pT2 tumors, but in only 3 patients (16%) with BPH. The mean values of the LNCaP cell equivalents were higher in >pT2 patients than in pT2 patients (37 x 10(3) and 104 x 10(3)) or BPH patients (7.1 x 10(3) and 4.8 x 10(3)) both preoperatively (333 x 10(3)/ml blood) and postoperatively (545 x 10(3)). CONCLUSION: Real-time RT-PCR with the LightCycler appears to be a promising method for the preoperative detection of circulating LNCaP tumor cells in PC as reflected by PSA mRNA. Considering the low detection rates in BPH patients, the method may also be suitable for patient monitoring after RPX and could thus play an important role in deciding on early radiotherapy or even hormone ablation therapy. Additional long-term follow-up will have to show whether patients with high expression of PSA mRNA actually have an increased risk or recurrence and whether the method is suitable as well to detect progression.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

The differentiation status of primary gonadal germ cell tumors correlates inversely with telomerase activity and the expression level of the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of telomerase.

BACKGROUND: The activity of the ribonucleoprotein enzyme telomerase is detectable in germ, stem and tumor cells. One major component of telomerase is human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), which encodes the catalytic subunit of telomerase. Here we investigate the correlation of telomerase activity and hTERT gene expression and the differentiation status of primary testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). METHODS: Telomerase activity (TA) was detected by a quantitative telomerase PCR ELISA, and hTERT mRNA expression was quantified by online RT-PCR in 42 primary testicular germ cell tumors. The control group consisted of benign testicular biopsies from infertile patients. RESULTS: High levels of telomerase activity and hTERT expression were detected in all examined undifferentiated TGCTs and in the benign testicular tissue specimens with germ cell content. In contrast, differentiated teratomas and testicular control tissue without germ cells (Sertoli-cell-only syndrome) showed no telomerase activity and only minimal hTERT expression. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate an inverse relationship between the level of telomerase activity and hTERT mRNA expression and the differentiation state of germ cell tumors. Quantification of telomerase activity and hTERT mRNA expression enables a new molecular-diagnostic subclassification of germ cell tumors that describes their proliferation potential and differentiation status.

Catalytic Domain↗

PubMed2002

Methylation-specific PCR for detection of neoplastic DNA in biopsy washings.

Epigenetic DNA alterations such as promoter hypermethylation of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) in prostatic adenocarcinoma frequently constitute tumour biomarkers. Neoplastic transformation was identified in washings of prostate biopsies by GSTP1 promoter hypermethylation, using methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Twenty-six patients undergoing sextant transrectal prostate biopsies for clinically suspected prostate cancer were enrolled. All ten patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (100%) and four of six patients with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (67%), but none of ten patients with benign hyperplasia (0%), exhibited GSTP1 promoter hypermethylation in at least one out of six biopsy washings. Since this approach is transferable to various cancer entities, a sensitive and specific DNA-based analysis of biopsy material seems generally feasible without impeding routine histopathological examination.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2002

Receptor gene messenger RNA expression in metastatic lesions of prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: There are hardly any options for treating hormone refractory prostate cancer. Some groups have already suggested antitumor therapy of prostate cancer using agonists, antagonists or other concepts acting on luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) receptor. Few studies have been published to date on the detection of LH-RH receptors in human prostate cancer tissue. However, at this point it is completely unclear in this context whether metastasizing prostate cancer lesions, which may be major potential targets of a type of therapy, have any LH-RH receptors. In this study we examined tumor samples of lymph nodes from patients with prostate cancer obtained during radical prostatectomy and laparoscopic lymphadenectomy for the expression of LH-RH receptor messenger (m)RNA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was done to detect the expression of the mRNA of LH-RH receptor, prostate specific antigen and beta-actin in pelvic lymph nodes from 100 patients with prostate cancer. RESULTS: In 27 patients at least 1 histopathological metastasis (19) and/or positive RT-PCR for prostate specific antigen (22) was identified. In 7 of these patients (25.9%) RT-PCR revealed LH-RH mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge our study shows for the first time a rather low incidence of LH-RH receptor mRNA in primary pelvic lymph node metastases. However, since other studies show that an increased incidence of LH-RH receptors is typical of the hormone refractory stage of the disease, further studies in this specific patient population may help explain the clinical importance of LH-RH receptors in the development of new therapeutic approaches to advanced prostate cancer.

Actins↗

PubMed2002

DNA alterations in body fluids as molecular tumor markers for urological malignancies.

OBJECTIVES: DNA-based tumor markers are characterized by unique specificity rendering them an attractive target for molecular diagnosis of cancer in body fluids like blood serum/plasma and urine. Both cell-free tumor DNA circulating in plasma/serum and cellular tumor DNA are detectable by minimally invasive measures. METHODS: Three main detection methods, microsatellite analysis, mutation analysis in genomic or mitochondrial DNA and gene promoter hypermethylation analysis are applied. Detection of gene promoter hypermethylation by methylation-specific PCR enables the best methodical sensitivity requiring a ratio of tumor DNA within normal DNA of less than 1:1000. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Tumor DNA derived from renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer or prostate cancer is detectable in considerably more than 50% of plasma/serum samples and more than 70% of urine samples from these patients. Because the targeted DNA alterations are absent or very rare in controls, the specificity of DNA-based tumor detection methods reaches almost 100%. Although the methodology currently is experimental, automatization will make it easier and less expensive. This review is focused on the potential clinical value of DNA-based analysis of body fluids for the initial diagnosis and the follow-up of urologic cancer patients.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

PubMed2002

Quantification of cyclin A1 and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase expression in testicular biopsies of infertile patients by fluorescence real-time RT-PCR.

The objective of this study was to establish a classification of meiotic disorders by detection of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and cyclin A1 mRNA in patients presenting with non-obstructive azoospermia. GAPDH and cyclin A1 expression levels were detected in 37 histologically classified testicular tissue specimens by one-line RT-PCR. Levels of cyclin A1 expression (NCyclinA1) were high in tissue specimens with full spermatogenesis [3.519 +/- 3.141 (mean +/- SD)] but only minimal in those without haploid germ cells. A lack of cyclin A1 expression was seen in most sertoli-cell-only syndrome (SCOS) specimens. The criteria for an ideal internal standard were only partially met by GAPDH, as we detected decreased expression in tissue samples with maturation arrest [(268.2 +/- 106.2 relative gene expression (mean +/- SD)] and SCOS (201.7 +/- 95.2) compared to those with normal histological findings (325.1 +/- 129.3). It was concluded that the level of cyclin A1 mRNA expression predicts meiotic disorders during spermatogenesis. GAPDH is not an ideal internal standard for specific gene expression in testicular tissue specimens.

Adult↗