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Changes in serum insulin-like factor 3 during normal male puberty
Alberto Ferlin1, Andrea Garolla, Franco Rigon
1University of Padova, Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, Centre for Male Gamete Cryopreservation, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|June 29, 2006
Summary
Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) levels rise during male puberty, correlating with LH and indicating Leydig cell differentiation. Adult INSL3 levels require prolonged LH exposure.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Biology
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is produced by Leydig cells, with adult secretion dependent on Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
- The secretion and regulation of INSL3 during male puberty remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate INSL3 concentrations during normal male puberty.
- To determine the relationship between INSL3, LH, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 75 healthy males aged 9.5-17.5 years.
- Subjects were grouped into five Tanner pubertal stages.
- Measurements included testicular volume, LH, FSH, testosterone, and INSL3 concentrations.
Main Results:
- INSL3 and LH levels increased from Tanner stages 2 to 4; FSH increased from stages 2 to 3; testosterone increased from stages 3 to 4.
- INSL3 increase appeared to precede testosterone rise.
- INSL3 concentrations at pubertal stages 4-5 were approximately one-fourth of adult levels, while other hormones reached adult levels by stage 4.
- Significant positive correlations were found between INSL3 and LH across all pubertal stages.
Conclusions:
- Serum INSL3 concentrations increase progressively during puberty, driven by LH's differentiating action on Leydig cells.
- INSL3 serves as a marker for Leydig cell differentiation and function.
- Reaching adult INSL3 levels necessitates prolonged LH exposure.
- INSL3 shows promise as a biomarker for pubertal disorders.
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