Testicular steroid sulfatase overexpression is associated with Leydig cell dysfunction in primary spermatogenic failure.

Background: Decreased testosterone (T) to LH ratio and increased 17β-estradiol (E2) serum concentrations represent a common finding among patients with severe spermatogenic failure, suggesting a concurrent Leydig cell steroidogenic dysfunction. Aromatase overexpression has been associated with increased serum and intratesticular E2 in these patients. However, it is unknown whether the sulfatase pathway contributes to the increased availability of active estrogens in patients with primary spermatogenic failure.