Hormonal Function of Undescended Testes Before Orchidopexy in Prepubertal Boys.

Background/

Objectives

The hormonal aspect of undescended testes (UDTs) in prepubertal boys, i.e., after mini-puberty, is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hormonal function of UDTs before orchidopexy in prepubertal boys and its correlation with testicular parameters.

Methods

The study included 90 prepubertal boys (0.9-8.8 years) with UDTs and 57 age-matched boys with testes in the scrotum (control). The testicular volume (TV), testicular atrophy index (TAI), and testicular growth potential (TGP) of the UDTs were assessed before orchidopexy and 18-24 months after. The analysis included FSH, LH, T, DHT, E2, Inh B, INSL3, and AMH levels.

Results

The UDT group demonstrated a significantly higher FSH level and lower Inh B/FSH ratio than controls. Boys with UDTs aged under six years exhibited significantly higher FSH and LH levels and lower Inh B/FSH and T/LH ratios. The TV level of descended and undescended testes, both before and after surgery, was significantly positively related to T and DHT levels, but negatively with Inh B, INSL3 levels, Inh B/AMH, and Inh B/FSH.

Conclusions

Hormonal evaluation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis and Sertoli and Leydig cell function in prepubertal boys (after mini-puberty) may predict the further development and function of UDTs and may serve as a diagnostic tool in testicular descent disorder.