Inhibin B Dynamics in Male Reproductive Health
Summary
Inhibin B, a dimeric glycoprotein secreted by Sertoli cells in the testis, serves as a pivotal regulator of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis by providing negative feedback on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion. Circulating concentrations of inhibin B closely mirror Sertoli cell activity and the quantity of maturing germ cells, rendering it a sensitive marker of spermatogenic capacity. From the post-natal surge through childhood quiescence and pubertal resurgence to the gradual decline in adulthood, longitudinal patterns of inhibin B reflect the evolving demands of germ cell support and endocrine interplay. Clinically, inhibin B has been adopted as a non-invasive indicator of testicular function in contexts ranging from evaluation of infertile men and pre-pubertal cohorts to monitoring of gonadotoxic exposures and assisted-reproduction outcomes. Its measurement complements conventional semen analysis and FSH assessment, enhancing diagnostic accuracy for conditions such as non-obstructive azoospermia, varicocele-associated dysfunction and age-related decline in male fertility. Emerging data also highlight potential roles for inhibin B in population health screening and in refining prognostic algorithms for sperm retrieval and treatment stratification.
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Inhibin B Dynamics in Male Reproductive Health publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in inhibin b dynamics in male reproductive health across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Inhibin B: A heterodimeric hormone produced by Sertoli cells that suppresses FSH release and reflects Sertoli cell function and germ cell mass.
Sertoli cell: A somatic cell type within seminiferous tubules that supports germ cell development and secretes hormones, including inhibin B.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): A pituitary gonadotropin that stimulates Sertoli cell proliferation and activity during spermatogenesis; its secretion is modulated by inhibin B.
Spermatogenesis: The multi-stage process of male germ cell proliferation, meiosis and maturation culminating in spermatozoon formation.
References
- A Normative Model of Serum Inhibin B in Young Males. PLOS ONE (2016).
- Inhibin-B and FSH Are Good Indicators of Spermatogenesis but Not the Best Indicators of Fertility. Life (2022).
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