title: Inhibin B and FSH as markers of Sertoli cell function in impaired spermatogenesis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The relationships between inhibin B, FSH and sperm count have never been fully elucidated. Our aim was to search for associations between serum concentrations of inhibin B/FSH and the impairment of spermatogenesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  In an observational study, we compared sperm count, serum levels of inhibin B and FSH in men with oligozoospermia (n = 46) and in normozoospermic, fertile controls (n = 38).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Concentration of FSH was 10.27 ± 11.24 IU/L in the oligozoospermic and 3.84 ± 2.76 IU/L in the normospermic group (p 〈 0.01). Although the concentration of inhibin B was higher in the oligozoospermic group (424 ± 443 v. 297 ± 219 pg/mL), the difference was statistically insignificant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that there is a tendency toward increased serum inhibin B levels in subjects with altered sperm count and increased serum FSH.
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mędraś
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trzmiel-Bira
authors.forename: Paweł
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jóźków
authors.forename: Lukasz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Terpiłowski
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zagocka
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sicińska-Werner
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007265:Inhibins / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; C422364:inhibin B; D007265:Inhibins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone