Leydig cell function in infertile men with idiopathic oligospermic infertility

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Andrology
• Infertility Research

Background:

• Leydig cell function is crucial for male fertility, producing testosterone.
• Idiopathic oligospermic infertility affects a significant number of men.
• Understanding hormonal profiles can aid in diagnosing and predicting infertility outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Leydig cell function in men with idiopathic oligospermic infertility.
• To determine the role of hormonal parameters, including the T/LH ratio, in predicting fertility success.
• To compare hormonal profiles with fertile men, excryptorchid men, and those with Klinefelter's syndrome.

Main Methods:

• Measured plasma levels of LH, testosterone (T), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (170HP), and estradiol in 103 infertile men.
• Calculated T/LH, 170HP/T ratios, and an androgen insensitivity index.
• Compared hormonal data across different subgroups based on FSH levels and fertility outcomes.

Main Results:

• Decreased T/LH ratios correlated with increased FSH levels in idiopathic infertility, suggesting compensated Leydig cell insufficiency.
• A T/LH ratio below 1.50 was associated with a significantly lower rate of fatherhood within 12 months.
• Excryptorchid men and those with Klinefelter's syndrome showed significantly lower T levels and T/LH ratios compared to idiopathic infertile men.

Conclusions:

• Compensated Leydig cell insufficiency, indicated by a low T/LH ratio, may contribute to idiopathic male infertility.
• The T/LH ratio serves as a useful prognostic parameter for male infertility.
• The calculated androgen insensitivity index was not a reliable indicator of androgen resistance in this cohort.