We analyzed the AZFc region of the Y-chromosome for complete (b2/b4) and distinct partial deletions (gr/gr, b1/b3, b2/b3) in 822 infertile and 225 proven fertile men. We observed complete AZFc deletions in 0.97% and partial deletions in 6.20% of the cases. Among partial deletions, the frequency of gr/gr deletions was the highest (5.84%). The comparison of partial deletion data between cases and...

A polymorphic glucocorticoid receptor (GR(Qn)) with an expanded CAG track and two silent mutations, when compared with the sequence of other isoform (GR(wt)), is found in two outbred mouse lines that were produced by selection for high (SH) or low (SL) stress response from high or low heat loss lines of mice, respectively. The GR(Qn) allele, which is also found in 5 of 16 commonly used inbred m...

BACKGROUND Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used to treat sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and significantly improve hearing. However, GC insensitivity has been observed in some patients of SSNHL. OBJECTIVE To study the correlation between GR expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in the cochlea of guinea pigs at mRNA and protein levels. METHODS One group of g...

BACKGROUND Subfertility affects one in eight couples. In up to 50% of cases, the male partner has low semen quality. Four Y chromosome deletions, i.e. Azoospermia factor a (AZFa), P5/proximal-P1 (AZFb), P5/distal-P1 and AZFc deletions, are established causes of low semen quality. Whether a recently identified partial AZFc deletion, the gr/gr deletion, also causes low semen quality is at present...

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) coordinates a multitude of physiological responses in vivo. In vitro, glucocorticoids are required for sustained proliferation of erythroid progenitors (ebls). Here, we analyze the impact of the GR on erythropoiesis in vivo, using GR-deficient mice or mice expressing a GR defective for transactivation. In vitro, sustained proliferation of primary ebls requires a...

BACKGROUND The Y chromosome gr/gr microdeletion eliminates two copies of the DAZ gene and several additional transcriptional units and has been associated as a risk factor for infertility. Our objective was to study the presence of the gr/gr deletion in ICSI candidates in our population and to determine whether the laboratory, clinical and ICSI outcome were different in the gr/gr deleted patien...

Peripubertal gilts (n = 25) were treated with corn oil (CO) or ovarian steroids, one month following an ovariectomy. The first day of treatment was assigned as the first day of the experiment. The gilts received: Group (Gr) I (n = 4)--CO (2 mL x day(-1) from 1st to 12th day), Gr II (n = 4) and Gr III (n = 4)--progesterone (P4; 10 to 100 mg x day(-1) from 1st to 12th day), Gr IV (n = 5)--estradi...