Hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase 1 expressed by Sertoli cells contributes to steroid synthesis and is required for male fertility

What is it about?

Infertility problems in men are growing throughout the world. The sperm production and male reproduction requires a well-coordinated action of Sertoli and Leydig cells in the testis that is partially regulated by steroid hormone action. Thus, dysfunction of steroid synthesis results to hormonal imbalance, and have a critical impact on the male fertility. In the present study we have shown that the HSD17B1 is a Sertoli cell-expressed enzyme involved in testicular steroid synthesis that is essential for male reproduction. The mice deficient in the HSD17B1 present with infertility due to the defect in Sertoli cell function, associated with low sperm count and poor sperm quality. Among infertile men, 5 to 10 % suffer from a low sperm count for an unknown reason, and these findings provide one potential mechanism for such defect.

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