The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University
Phase
Observational
Started
2021-04-01
Last updated
2026-07-09
Condition(s) studied
Azoospermia, NonobstructiveCryptozoospermia
Study summary
Idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia and cryptozoospermia are severe forms of male infertility in which sperm production is absent or extremely low and the cause is often unknown. This retrospective observational study examined whether mitochondrial DNA variants, particularly the MT-ND1 m.3700G\>A variant, are associated with impaired sperm production in Chinese men.
Existing clinical records and available biospecimens from affected men, eligible family members, and fertile controls were analyzed to assess familial inheritance patterns, the frequency of the variant, and its association with infertility phenotypes. No study-related treatment or intervention was provided to human participants.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
—
Max age
—
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* Men with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia or cryptozoospermia.
* Male patients undergoing a clinically indicated testicular biopsy, testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE), or a related clinical procedure, when residual clinical specimens are available.
* Comparison participants with normal spermatogenesis, including men with obstructive azoospermia and men undergoing sperm retrieval or testicular tissue evaluation for clinical reasons.
* Selected relatives and spouses of enrolled patients, when needed for genetic segregation analysis and determination of variant origin.
Exclusion Criteria:
* For the idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia or cryptozoospermia cohort, azoospermia with an established alternative cause, including chromosomal abnormalities, Y-chromosome microdeletions, testicular tumors, severe trauma, prior radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or confirmed infection.
* Incomplete clinical data or inability to obtain informed consent.
* Biospecimens that do not meet quality requirements for the planned analyses.
Primary outcome measure(s)
Detection and Familial Segregation of the MT-ND1 m.3700G>A Variant — Baseline (single genetic testing assessment at enrollment) Detection of the MT-ND1 m.3700G\>A mitochondrial DNA variant by sequencing in available biological samples, with assessment of its distribution and maternal segregation among affected male family members, unaffected relatives, unrelated patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia or cryptozoospermia, and fertile controls.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University
Guangzhou
Guangdong
Recruiting
More The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University trials in China
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
We use cookies to analyse site traffic and improve your experience. With your consent, we may also use cookies for advertising. You can change your choice at any time on our Cookie Policy page. See also our Privacy Policy.