The contributions of deficient androgen action in spermatogenic disorders.
The contributions of deficient androgen actions in spermatogenic disorders causing idiopathic male infertility are reviewed. The physiological role of androgens in spermatogenesis, the mechanism of actions of testosterone and the clinical implication of androgen deficiency are explained. The role of mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) in idiopathic infertility and, in particular, the contribution of expanded cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeats in exon 1 of the AR gene to the occurrence of male idiopathic infertility is highlighted. Possible future aspects of treatment for such patients are discussed.
Ochsenkühn
Robert
R
Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia.
De Kretser
David M
DM
D000728:Androgens / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D009154:Mutation; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000235:genetics; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism
D000728:Androgens; D011944:Receptors, Androgen; D013739:Testosterone