Cellular origin of microRNA‐371a‐3p in healthy males based on systematic urogenital tract tissue evaluation

• DOI: 10.1111/andr.12595
• Publication Date: 2019-02-20T20:51:31Z
• Authors: W. P. A. Boellaard; A. J. M. Gillis; G. J. L. H. van L...; H. Stoop; T. van Agthoven; L. C. J. Dorssers; M. Dinkelman‐Smit; J. L. Boormans; L. H. J. Looijenga
• Keywords: Oligospermia

Abstract Background The microRNA‐371a‐3p (miR‐371a‐3p) has been reported to be an informative liquid biopsy (serum and plasma) molecular biomarker for both diagnosis follow‐up of patients with a malignant (testicular) germ cell tumor ((T)GCT). It is expressed in all histological cancer elements, the exception mature teratoma. However, normal testis, semen, serum males disrupted testicular integrity without TGCT may contain miR‐371a‐3p levels above threshold, which cellular origin unknown. Objectives Therefore, series relevant tissues (frozen formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE), when available) from complete male urogenital tract (i.e., kidney urethra testis urethra) semen was investigated using targeted quantitative RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR). Materials methods In total, normospermia ( n = 11) oligospermia 3) investigated, as well 88 samples derived 32 different patients. represented one set related entire (11 anatomical locations), three sets 10 locations, four six locations. Results All parenchyma 17) cases showed low levels. Eight out 14 (57%) detectable levels, irrespective amount motile spermatozoa, but sperm concentration matched Johnsen score (Spearman's rho correlation coefficient 0.849 0.871, p 0.000, respectively). other could not detected. Discussion This study demonstrates that healthy adult solely compartment. Conclusions observation important context applying (T)GCT. Moreover, might seminal composition.