Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Applications in Male Infertility
Summary
Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) is central to the regulation of spermatogenesis, acting on Sertoli cells to promote germ‐cell maturation and support testicular function. While its therapeutic use in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is well established, empirical administration in men with normogonadotropic idiopathic infertility has gained increasing attention. Exogenous FSH regimens aim to enhance sperm concentration, motility and morphology, yet responses vary widely among individuals. Recent efforts focus on identifying predictive biomarkers, optimising dosing schedules and exploring pharmacogenetic profiles to tailor treatment. In parallel, mechanistic studies have revealed FSH receptor distribution on mature spermatozoa and highlighted complex intracellular signalling events. Collectively, these advances underscore the hormone’s potential to improve reproductive outcomes and inform personalised approaches to male infertility management on a global scale.
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Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Applications in Male Infertility publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in follicle-stimulating hormone applications in male infertility across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): A glycoprotein gonadotropin secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates Sertoli cells to support sperm production.
Spermatogenesis: The process of germ-cell proliferation, meiosis and differentiation occurring within seminiferous tubules to produce mature spermatozoa.
Sertoli Cells: Somatic cells in the testis that provide structural and nutritional support to developing germ cells under the influence of FSH.
Idiopathic Infertility: Infertility in which standard clinical and laboratory evaluations fail to identify a definable cause.
17α-Hydroxy-Progesterone: A steroid intermediate in gonadal steroidogenesis used as a serum biomarker of testicular steroidogenic function.
FSH Receptor (FSHR): A transmembrane protein on target cells that binds FSH, initiating intracellular signalling cascades such as AKT phosphorylation.
References
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Action on Spermatogenesis: A Focus on Physiological and Therapeutic Roles. Journal of Clinical Medicine (2020).
- Pharmacogenetics of FSH Action in the Male. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2019).
- Predictive role of 17α-hydroxy-progesterone serum levels of response to follicle-stimulating hormone in patients with abnormal sperm parameters. Fertility and Sterility (2023).
- Sperm Concentration Improvement May Be a Parameter Predicting Efficacy of FSH Therapy of Male Idiopathic Infertility. Cells (2023).
- Effects of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone on Human Sperm Motility In Vitro. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
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