Abstract / Summary
Background & Objective: CLEC11A serves as a critical regulator of osteogenesis, which is the process of bone formation, and is synthesized by osteoblasts where it influences bone mineralization. This protein encourages the proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells within their microenvironment. The present study was conducted with aim of comparing the levels of CLEC11A serum and seminal plasma among patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and oligospermia, and to assess the correlation of CLEC11A with the severity of impaired spermatogenesis. To compare levels of CLEC11A serum and seminal plasma among patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and oligospermia, and to assess CLEC11A correlation with the severity of impaired spermatogenesis.Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 132 patients who were divided into three groups: normal (n=44), Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) (n=44) and oligospermia (n=44). A comparison was made in all groups based on age, hormones, and CLEC11A (C-type lectin domain family 11 member A) level. CLEC11A level was measured by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: There were significant differences among three groups (P=0.002) in both median values and ranges of seminal plasma and serum CLEC11A across non-obstructive azoospermia, oligospermia, and normospermia groups. Specifically, seminal plasma CLEC11A levels were higher in the oligospermia group compared to both NOA and normospermia groups. On the other hand, serum CLEC11A levels were significantly lower in patients with oligospermia compared to both other groups (P<0.001).Conclusion: These results suggest that CLEC11A may be involved in modulating processes related to impaired spermatogenesis, particularly in oligospermia, and could serve as a potential biomarker for early or moderate testicular dysfunction. However, the lack of consistent associations across all groups indicates that its role is likely complex and not solely determinant.