Correlation between insulin‐like peptide 3 and appendix testis length in congenital cryptorchidism

Abstract

Aim The appendix testis (AT) is a vestigial remnant of Müller's paramesonephric duct. Insulin‐like 3 hormone (INSL3) is produced in the Leydig cells of the testis. We investigated the possible correlation between AT length and plasma INSL3 concentrations in patients with congenital cryptorchidism (CCO) and patients with hydrocele, who served as controls. Methods A total of 40 patients with CCO and 34 patients with hydrocele and orthotopic testes were investigated. Sixteen patients presented high cryptorchidism and 24 low cryptorchidism. During surgery, AT was identified in 34 patients with CCO (high cryptorchidism:15, low cryptorchidism:19) and 28 controls. Plasma INSL3 levels were measured with a spectrophotometry enzyme immunoassay Elisa sandwich technique. Results AT was present in 85.0% of the boys with CCO and 82.4% of the controls. A significant positive correlation was found between the AT length and INSL3 concentrations in CCO patients. Conclusions A longer AT may reflect better testicular function in boys with CCO, since it is correlated with higher INSL3 concentrations.

Testicular ultrasound measurement of testicular volume and epididymis diameters: Prediction of semen quality in a prospective study

“…A correlation was suggested between the level of AMH, cryptorchidism and length of appendix testis, ut researchers have not found significantly correlation, but however, elevated level of AMH with high expression of oestrogen receptors in the appendix testis, may play an important role in cryptorchidism in some cases [23]. The appendix testis correlates not only with androgen and oestrogen receptors, but also the level of insulin-like 3 hormone produced by the testicular Leydig cells [24]. These studies were conducted in childhood, but the cryptorchidism in children may play an important role in development of male infertility, conceivable that, the role of appendix testis may be more important than previously thought.…”

Individualized Treatment of Inguinal Hernia in Children

“…The gubernaculum originates in two triangular mesenchymal condensations, the inguinal plica dorsal to the Wolffian duct and the inguinal crista opposite the plica [6,7]. The growth and differentiation of the gubernaculum is induced by insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3), which is secreted by Leydig cells [8,9]. The pelvic portion of the gubernaculum is created by merging the mesonephric and inguinal portions.…”