[Seminiferous tubule scores used for quantitative assessment of spermatogenic function of patients with azoospermia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical reliability of quantitative evaluation by seminiferous tubule scores on spermatogenesis dysfunction, using the testis tissues of azoospermia patients for analysis of histological changes. METHODS: One hundred and twelve Chinese patients with azoospermia underwent open testicular biopsy and their testicular biopsy specimens were evaluated by 10-score (on testicular biopsy) and 5-Grade (on seminiferous tubule spermatogenesis) scale. The 112 patient, 22 to 46 years old [(29.0 +/- 4.4) years old] included 105 cases of obstructive and 7 cases non-obstructive azoospermia. Of the total number, there were 96 primary infertile cases and 16 secondary infertile cases with infertile marriage of 2-12 years [(4.0 +/- 2.8) years]. Various seminiferous tubule characteristics were categorized by 10-score as follows: [1] degenerating Sertoli cells and no germinal epithelium; [2] no germ cells and only Sertoli cells; [3] no spermatids and primary spermatocytes and only spermatogonia; [4] no spermatids and few primary spermatocytes; [5] no spermatids and numerous primary spermatocytes; [6] no mature spermatids and few round immature spermatids; [7] no mature spermatids and numerous round immature spermatids; [8] < 20 mature spermatids/tubules, germinal epithelium height < 80 microns and spermiation absent; [9] > 20 mature spermatids/tubules, germinal epithelium height < 80 microns and spermiation rarely < 80 microns; [10] > 20 mature spermatids/tubule and germinal epithelium height 80 microns and spermiation common. Seminiferous tubule spermatogenesis was catagorized by 5-Grade scale as follows: [1] tubular sclerosis; [2] sertoli cell only; [3] arrested spermatogenesis; [4] reduced spermatogenesis; [5] intact spermatogenesis. RESULTS: In terms of the 10-score scale on testicular biopsy, scores of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 corresponded with total patient numbers of 5 (4.5%), 38(33.9%), 2(1.8%), 6(5.4%), 2(1.8%), 17(15.2%), 6(5.4%), 19(17%), 10(8.9%) and 7(6.3%), respectively. According to the 5-Grade scale on the seminiferous tubule spermatogenesis, Grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 corresponded with 5(4.5%), 38(33.9%), 33(29.5%), 29(25.9%) and 7 (6.3%), respectively. Tubular diameter, the thickness of the lamina propria, the height of the germinal epithelium and serum FSH correlated with the average seminiferous tubule scores (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The seminiferous tubule scores obtained through testicular biopsy may provide important quantitative information concerning the etiology and pathogenesis and of azoospermia may serve as a helpful guide to the fundamental, clinical and therapeutical study of element, clinic and therapy.