Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) supports spermatogenesis acting via its receptor (FSHR), which activates trophic effects in gonadal Sertoli cells. These pathways are targeted by hormonal drugs used for clinical treatment of infertile men, mainly belonging to sub-groups defined as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or idiopathic infertility. While, in the first case, fertility may be efficiently restored by specific treatments, such as pulsatile gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) or choriogonadotropin (hCG) alone or in combination with FSH, less is known about the efficacy of FSH in supporting the treatment of male idiopathic infertility. This review focuses on the role of FSH in the clinical approach to male reproduction, addressing the state-of-the-art from the little data available and discussing the pharmacological evidence. New compounds, such as allosteric ligands, dually active, chimeric gonadotropins and immunoglobulins, may represent interesting avenues for future personalized, pharmacological approaches to male infertility.
Highlights
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a dimeric glycoprotein released by the pituitary and targeting gonadal cells of both males and females
In the first case, fertility may be efficiently restored by specific treatments, such as pulsatile gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) or choriogonadotropin alone or in combination with FSH, less is known about the efficacy of FSH in supporting the treatment of male idiopathic infertility
This review focuses on the role of FSH in the clinical approach to male reproduction, addressing the state-of-the-art from the little data available and discussing the pharmacological evidence
Summary
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a dimeric glycoprotein released by the pituitary and targeting gonadal cells of both males and females. The molecule is structurally similar to luteinizing hormone (LH) which, together with FSH, regulates reproduction acting through specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and modulating steroidogenesis, cell metabolism and growth [1]. Despite similarities between these two hormone-receptor systems, gonadotropins mediate sex-specific effects mainly due to a physiologically different expression of steroidogenic enzymes and receptors, according to different cell types. The nature of FSH action is different in the two genders, the clinical approaches to infertility [2]. We discuss the action of FSH, as well as its current use and perspectives for treating male infertility
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
