Esteves Sandro C, Humaidan Peter
ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Av. Dr. Heitor Penteado, 1464, Campinas, 13075-460, Brazil.
Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.
Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2025 Jan 13;23(Suppl 1):6. doi: 10.1186/s12958-024-01333-4.
The production of spermatozoa, a process known as spermatogenesis, is primarily controlled by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)-driven testosterone. LH acts on the Leydig cells, stimulating steroid production, predominantly testosterone, and activating critical inter-related spermatogenesis regulatory pathways. Despite evidence that exogenous gonadotropins containing LH activity can effectively restore spermatogenesis in males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, the use of these drugs to treat other forms of male infertility is the subject of an ongoing debate. In this review, we delve into the molecular properties and functions of LH activity in spermatogenesis regulation and explore available preparations for therapeutic use. We also examine the evidence regarding the effectiveness of LH-containing drugs in treating specific male infertility conditions and identify the main areas for future research. Our review highlights the critical role of LH in spermatogenesis and emphasizes the potential of LH-containing drugs in treating male infertility. However, further research is required to completely elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of LH activity on sperm production and to establish the most effective dosages and treatment durations.
精子的产生，即精子发生过程，主要受促卵泡激素（FSH）和黄体生成素（LH）驱动的睾酮调控。LH作用于睾丸间质细胞，刺激类固醇生成，主要是睾酮，并激活关键的相互关联的精子发生调节途径。尽管有证据表明含有LH活性的外源性促性腺激素能有效恢复低促性腺激素性性腺功能减退男性的精子发生，但使用这些药物治疗其他形式的男性不育仍存在争议。在本综述中，我们深入探讨LH活性在精子发生调节中的分子特性和功能，并探索可供治疗使用的制剂。我们还研究了含LH药物治疗特定男性不育症有效性的证据，并确定了未来研究的主要领域。我们的综述强调了LH在精子发生中的关键作用，并强调了含LH药物治疗男性不育的潜力。然而，需要进一步研究以完全阐明LH活性对精子产生影响的潜在机制，并确定最有效的剂量和治疗持续时间。
