Androgens and male fertility

Abstract

Androgens play a crucial role in the development of male reproductive organs such as the epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle, prostate and the penis. Furthermore, androgens are needed for puberty, male fertility and male sexual function. High levels of intratesticular testosterone, secreted by the leydig cells, are necessary for spermatogenesis. Intratesticular testosterone is mainly bound to androgen binding protein and secreted into the seminiferous tubules. Inside the sertoli cells, testosterone is selectively bound to the androgen receptor and activation of the receptor will result in initiation and maintenance of the spermatogenic process and inhibition of germ cell apoptosis. The androgen receptor is found in all male reproductive organs and can be stimulated by either testosterone or its more potential metabolite dihydrotestosterone. Severe defects of the androgen receptor may result in abnormal male sexual development. More subtle modulations can be a potential cause of male infertility. Treatment of an infertile man with testosterone does improve spermatogenesis, since exogenous administrated testosterone and its metabolite estrogen will suppress both GnRH production by the hypothalamus and Luteinising hormone production by the pituitary gland and subsequently suppress testicular testosterone production. Also, high levels of testosterone are needed inside the testis and this can never be accomplished by oral or parenteral administration of androgens. Suppression of testosterone production by the leydig cells will result in a deficient spermatogenesis, as can be seen in men taking anabolic-androgenic steroids. Suppression of spermatogenesis by testosterone administration is also the basis for the development of a male contraceptive. During cytotoxic treatment or irradiation suppression of intratesticular testosterone production cells may prevent irreversible damage to the spermotogonial stem cells.

Nandrolone effects on men’s semen parameters in Erbil city

“…Interestingly, it is notable that heavy exercise does not appear to have significantly altered the percentage of the tapered head. Torres-Colleja et al studied the effect of AAS in 30 adult male bodybuilders, 6 who reported that sperm count, percentage of normal sperm morphology and FSH level were significantly reduced, this results agree with our results, on the other hand they found that the LH level didn't vary in the same group. This finding disagrees with our result (LH level significantly reduced in exercise and treated group) may be due to the different doses of AAS taken by bodybuilders.…”

“…6 In addition, numerous studies have shown that severe depletion of Leydig cells following treatment by AAS, 7 Leydig cells are known to have receptors for LH that stimulates these cells to produce testosterone. 8 On the other hand, exercise training frequently results in a decrease of serum testosterone, and may rarely be associated with reduced libido, sperm production, and fertility.…”

Effects of Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH-γ-Isomer, Lindane) Intoxication on the Proliferation and Apoptosis in Rat Testes

“…Testosterone is the principal hormone ensuring normal spermatogenesis and inhibition of germ cell apoptosis (Dohle et al 2003). In the present study, a gradual decrease in serum testosterone level was determined in the lindane-treated groups and this hormonal disturbance was associated with the interstitial cell degeneration.…”

Syntheses, silylation, characterization, and antimicrobial and antifertility activities of organoboron derivatives of some bioactive monofunctional bidentate semicarbazones

“…Androgens specifically testosterone with high levels are necessary for active spermatogenesis. [36] The efficiency of spermatogenesis and fertility are increased in males as a result of synergistic effect of FSH and testosterone whereas LH stimulates spermatogenesis through stimulating testosterone production in Leydig cells. It has been considered that low levels of FSH and LH prevent gonads from either producing sperms or insufficient amount of testosterone production.…”