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Bhattacharya I, Dey S, Banerjee A. Revisiting the gonadotropic regulation of mammalian spermatogenesis: evolving lessons during the past decade. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1110572. [PMID: 37124741 PMCID: PMC10140312 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1110572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a multi-step process of male germ cell (Gc) division and differentiation which occurs in the seminiferous tubules of the testes under the regulation of gonadotropins - Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinising hormone (LH). It is a highly coordinated event regulated by the surrounding somatic testicular cells such as the Sertoli cells (Sc), Leydig cells (Lc), and Peritubular myoid cells (PTc). FSH targets Sc and supports the expansion and differentiation of pre-meiotic Gc, whereas, LH operates via Lc to produce Testosterone (T), the testicular androgen. T acts on all somatic cells e.g.- Lc, PTc and Sc, and promotes the blood-testis barrier (BTB) formation, completion of Gc meiosis, and spermiation. Studies with hypophysectomised or chemically ablated animal models and hypogonadal (hpg) mice supplemented with gonadotropins to genetically manipulated mouse models have revealed the selective and synergistic role(s) of hormones in regulating male fertility. We here have briefly summarized the present concept of hormonal control of spermatogenesis in rodents and primates. We also have highlighted some of the key critical questions yet to be answered in the field of male reproductive health which might have potential implications for infertility and contraceptive research in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Science, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
- *Correspondence: Arnab Banerjee, ; Indrashis Bhattacharya,
| | - Souvik Dey
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Arnab Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Goa, India
- *Correspondence: Arnab Banerjee, ; Indrashis Bhattacharya,
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Castets S, Nguyen KA, Plaisant F, Prudon MB, Plotton I, Kassai B, Roche S, Ecochard R, Claris O, Nicolino M, Villanueva C, Gay CL. Reference values for the external genitalia of full-term and pre-term female neonates. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2021; 106:39-44. [PMID: 32561564 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-318090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Identifying virilisation of the genitalia in female newborns early during the neonatal period is important to diagnose pathologies. However, there is no clear threshold for clitoromegaly or for the anogenital ratio. The objective of this study was to define reference values for the external genitalia of full-term and pre-term female neonates. DESIGN This was a prospective study of all females born in the study centre between May 2014 and July 2016. Clitoral length and anogenital ratio were measured in 619 newborns with a gestational age of 24+2 to 41+3 weeks during their first 3 days of life. Associations between the values at day 3 and gestational age, birth weight and other newborn characteristics were examined by linear regression. RESULTS The mean clitoral length at day 3 of life was 3.69±1.53 mm (n=551; 95th percentile, 6.5 mm; maximum, 8 mm), and the mean anogenital ratio was 0.42±0.09 (95th percentile, 0.58). There was no significant variation with gestational age or birth weight, and no significant difference between the results at day 0 and day 3. CONCLUSION These results suggest that clitoromegaly can be defined as a clitoral length >6.5 mm. Values ≥8 mm should prompt further investigations. An anogenital ratio >0.6 should be considered a sign of virilisation. Since clitoral size does not vary with gestational age or birth weight, clitoromegaly should not be attributed to prematurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Castets
- Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France .,Pédiatrie multidisciplinaire, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Kim-An Nguyen
- Service de néonatologie et de réanimation néonatale, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Franck Plaisant
- Service de néonatologie et de réanimation néonatale, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Malika Baya Prudon
- Service de néonatologie et de réanimation néonatale, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Ingrid Plotton
- Laboratoire de biochimie et de biologie moléculaire, Hospices Civils de Lyon Centre de pathologie et biologie Est, Bron, France
| | - Behrouz Kassai
- Service de pharmacologie clinique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, Équipe Biostatistique Santé, CNRS UMR 5558, Universite de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvain Roche
- Service de Biostatistique-Bioinformatique, Pôle Santé Publique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Rene Ecochard
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Service de Biostatistique-Bioinformatique, Pôle Santé Publique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - Olivier Claris
- Service de néonatologie et de réanimation néonatale, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Marc Nicolino
- Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,INSERM U870, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Centre de référence du développement génital, du fœtus à l'adulte, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Carine Villanueva
- Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Claire-Lise Gay
- Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Centre de référence du développement génital, du fœtus à l'adulte, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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Hassan HA, Essawi ML, Mekkawy MK, Mazen I. Novel mutations of the LHCGR gene in two families with 46,XY DSD causing Leydig cell hypoplasia I. Hormones (Athens) 2020; 19:573-579. [PMID: 32666356 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-020-00226-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Leydig cell hypoplasia is a rare autosomal recessive 46,XY disorder of sexual development (DSD). It is caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous inactivating mutations in the human luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin hormone receptor (LHCGR) gene. In Leydig cell hypoplasia type I, patients are characterized by predominantly female external genitalia, which usually go unrecognized until the age of puberty. METHODS This study reports three patients descending from two unrelated families. We performed clinical, hormonal, histopathological, molecular, and bioinformatics studies for the studied cases. RESULTS All investigations suggested 46,XY DSD and Leydig cell hypoplasia. Molecular analysis showed two novel homozygous inactivating mutations (p.Glu148Ter and p.Leu104Pro) within the extracellular domain of the LHCGR gene. CONCLUSION Although the mutations of the LHCGR gene are distributed heterogeneously, without hotspot or recurrent mutations, about one fifth of the reported mutations worldwide have been detected in Arab patients. This is probably due to the high consanguinity rate in these populations, which increases the percentage of autosomal recessive disorders and the homozygous LHCGR gene mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Amin Hassan
- Medical Molecular Genetics Department, Division of Human Genetics and Genome Research, National Research Centre, 33 El Buhouth St., Dokki, Cairo, 12311, Egypt.
| | - M L Essawi
- Medical Molecular Genetics Department, Division of Human Genetics and Genome Research, National Research Centre, 33 El Buhouth St., Dokki, Cairo, 12311, Egypt
| | - M K Mekkawy
- Human Cytogenetics Department, Division of Human Genetics and Genome Research, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - I Mazen
- Clinical Genetics Department, Division of Human Genetics and Genome Research, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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Szymańska K, Kałafut J, Rivero-Müller A. The gonadotropin system, lessons from animal models and clinical cases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 70:561-587. [PMID: 30264954 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4784.18.04307-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review article centers upon family of gonadotropin hormones which consists of two pituitary hormones - follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) as well as one non-pituitary hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secreted by placenta, and their receptors. Gonadotropins play an essential role in proper sexual development, puberty, gametogenesis, maintenance of pregnancy and male sexual differentiation during the fetal development. They belong to the family of glycoprotein hormones thus they constitute heterodimeric proteins built of common α subunit and hormone-specific β-subunit. Hitherto, several mutations in genes encoding both gonadotropins and their receptors have been identified in humans. Their occurrence resulted in a number of different phenotypes including delayed puberty, primary amenorrhea, hermaphroditism, infertility and hypogonadism. In order to understand the effects of mutations on the phenotype observed in affected patients, detailed molecular studies are required to map the relationship between the structure and function of gonadotropins and their receptors. Nonetheless, in vitro assays are often insufficient to understand physiology. Therefore, several animal models have been developed to unravel the physiological roles of gonadotropins and their receptors.
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Achermann JC, Domenice S, Bachega TASS, Nishi MY, Mendonca BB. Disorders of sex development: effect of molecular diagnostics. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2015; 11:478-88. [PMID: 25942653 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2015.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are a diverse group of conditions that can be challenging to diagnose accurately using standard phenotypic and biochemical approaches. Obtaining a specific diagnosis can be important for identifying potentially life-threatening associated disorders, as well as providing information to guide parents in deciding on the most appropriate management for their child. Within the past 5 years, advances in molecular methodologies have helped to identify several novel causes of DSDs; molecular tests to aid diagnosis and genetic counselling have now been adopted into clinical practice. Occasionally, genetic profiling of embryos prior to implantation as an adjunct to assisted reproduction, prenatal diagnosis of at-risk pregnancies and confirmatory testing of positive results found during newborn biochemical screening are performed. Of the available genetic tests, the candidate gene approach is the most popular. New high-throughput DNA analysis could enable a genetic diagnosis to be made when the aetiology is unknown or many differential diagnoses are possible. Nonetheless, concerns exist about the use of genetic tests. For instance, a diagnosis is not always possible even using new molecular approaches (which can be worrying for the parents) and incidental information obtained during the test might cause anxiety. Careful selection of the genetic test indicated for each condition remains important for good clinical practice. The purpose of this Review is to describe advances in molecular biological techniques for diagnosing DSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Achermann
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Sorahia Domenice
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM/42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av Dr Eneas de Carvalho Aguiar, 155, PAMB, 2 andar, Bloco 6, 05403-900 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tania A S S Bachega
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM/42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av Dr Eneas de Carvalho Aguiar, 155, PAMB, 2 andar, Bloco 6, 05403-900 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mirian Y Nishi
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM/42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av Dr Eneas de Carvalho Aguiar, 155, PAMB, 2 andar, Bloco 6, 05403-900 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Berenice B Mendonca
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular LIM/42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av Dr Eneas de Carvalho Aguiar, 155, PAMB, 2 andar, Bloco 6, 05403-900 São Paulo, Brazil
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Kon M, Fukami M. Submicroscopic copy-number variations associated with 46,XY disorders of sex development. Mol Cell Pediatr 2015; 2:7. [PMID: 26542297 PMCID: PMC4530572 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-015-0018-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mutations in known causative genes and cytogenetically detectable chromosomal rearrangements account for a fraction of cases with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD). Recent advances in molecular cytogenetic technologies, including array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), have enabled the identification of copy-number variations (CNVs) in individuals with apparently normal karyotypes. Findings This review paper summarizes the results of 15 recent studies, in which aCGH or MLPA were used to identify CNVs. Several submicroscopic CNVs have been detected in patients with 46,XY DSD. These CNVs included deletions involving known causative genes such as DMRT1 or NR5A1, duplications involving NR0B1, deletions involving putative cis-regulatory elements of SOX9, and various deletions and duplications of unknown pathogenicity. Conclusions The results of recent studies highlight the significance of submicroscopic CNVs as the genetic basis of 46,XY DSD. Molecular cytogenetic analyses should be included in the diagnostic workup of patients with 46,XY DSD of unknown origin. Further studies using aCGH will serve to clarify novel causes of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Kon
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan. .,Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North-15, West-7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan.
| | - Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan.
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Ramaswamy S, Weinbauer GF. Endocrine control of spermatogenesis: Role of FSH and LH/ testosterone. SPERMATOGENESIS 2014; 4:e996025. [PMID: 26413400 PMCID: PMC4581062 DOI: 10.1080/21565562.2014.996025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of testicular functions (production of sperm and androgens) is an important aspect of preclinical safety assessment and testicular toxicity is comparatively far more common than ovarian toxicity. This chapter focuses (1) on the histological sequelae of disturbed reproductive endocrinology in rat, dog and nonhuman primates and (2) provides a review of our current understanding of the roles of gonadotropins and androgens. The response of the rodent testis to endocrine disturbances is clearly different from that of dog and primates with different germ cell types and spermatogenic stages being affected initially and also that the end-stage spermatogenic involution is more pronounced in dog and primates compared to rodents. Luteinizing hormone (LH)/testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are the pivotal endocrine factors controlling testicular functions. The relative importance of either hormone is somewhat different between rodents and primates. Generally, however, both LH/testosterone and FSH are necessary for quantitatively normal spermatogenesis, at least in non-seasonal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Ramaswamy
- Center for Research in Reproductive Physiology (CRRP); Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Magee-Womens Research Institute; Pittsburgh, PA USA
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Troppmann B, Kleinau G, Krause G, Gromoll J. Structural and functional plasticity of the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotrophin receptor. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19:583-602. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1097/gco.0b013e32835f3eec] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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10
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Ahmed SF, Bashamboo A, Lucas-Herald A, McElreavey K. Understanding the genetic aetiology in patients with XY DSD. Br Med Bull 2013; 106:67-89. [PMID: 23529942 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldt008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disorders of sex development (DSD) consist of a wide range of disorders and are commoner in those with an XY karyotype. In over half of these cases who have a 46,XY karyotype and who are raised as boys, the underlying aetiology remains unclear. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Identification of the underlying genetic abnormality may predict long-term outcome. However, genetic abnormalities that are associated with XY DSD manifest themselves with a wide range of phenotype. To understand the aetiology as well as the phenotypic variation, there is a need to harness the advanced genetic technology that is now available. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY The point at which genetic analysis should be undertaken in the course of investigations is unclear. In addition, there is little agreement on the most effective approach for genetic analysis that will be of clinical benefit to the patient. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH There is a need to understand and improve the clinical utility of genetic analysis in the clinical setting of the patient with a suspected DSD. This will be even more important when parallel gene sequencing identifies variations in multiple genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Ahmed
- School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Yorkhill, Glasgow, UK.
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2012; 24:265-72. [DOI: 10.1097/gco.0b013e3283564f02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2012; 24:194-9. [DOI: 10.1097/gco.0b013e328353d51d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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