Inhibin B: a novel marker of spermatogenesis.
Subfertility affects about 15% of all couples. Assessment of spermatogenesis has a central role in the evaluation of the subfertile couple. Classical markers of spermatogenesis, such as semen analysis, testicular biopsy and endocrine evaluation all have their diagnostic limitations. There is a clear need for accurate additional markers of spermatogenesis. Recently, the serum inhibin B level has emerged as a sensitive endocrine marker of spermatogenesis. This paper summarises the pros and cons of different markers of spermatogenesis, with specific focus on serum inhibin B. The serum inhibin B level has been shown to be associated with classical markers of spermatogenesis, particularly testicular histology, and to be the most accurate endocrine marker of spermatogenesis. A subnormal serum inhibin B level clearly reflects disturbed spermatogenesis. Before puberty, when no spermatogenesis takes place, inhibin B is a marker of testicular integrity. Clinical applications of serum inhibin B in childhood and adulthood are given, and a view on future directions and research is presented. The serum inhibin B level has proven to be valuable in the evaluation of spermatogenesis, and holds a promise for further research.
Pierik
Frank H
FH
Department of Andrology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. f.pierik@erasmusmc.nl
Burdorf
Alex
A
de Jong
Frank H
FH
Weber
Robertus F A
RF
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D007265:Inhibins / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*
D015415:Biomarkers; C422364:inhibin B; D007265:Inhibins