On the descent of the epididymo-testicular unit, cryptorchidism, and prevention of infertility.

Basic Clin Androl

Cryptorchidism Research Institute, Kindermedizinisches Zentrum Liestal, Liestal, Switzerland.

Published: November 2017

This comprehensive review provides in-depth coverage of progress made in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cryptorchidism, a frequent pathology first described in about 1786 by John Hunter. The first part focuses on the physiology, embryology, and histology of epididymo-testicular descent. In the last 20 years epididymo-testicular descent has become the victim of schematic drawings with an unjustified rejection of valid histological data. This part also includes discussion on the roles of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, fibroblast growth factors, Müllerian inhibiting substance, androgens, inhibin B, and insulin-like 3 in epididymo-testicular descent. The second part addresses the etiology and histology of cryptorchidism as well as the importance of mini-puberty for normal fertility development. A critical view is presented on current clinical guidelines that recommend early orchidopexy alone as the best possible treatment. Finally, by combining classical physiological information and the output of cutting-edge genomics data into a complete picture the importance of hormonal treatment in preventing cryptorchidism-induced infertility is underscored.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5686796PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12610-017-0065-8DOI Listing

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