The role of luteinizing hormone activity in spermatogenesis: from physiology to clinical practice

Abstract 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...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sandro C. Esteves, Peter Humaidan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-01-01
Series:Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-024-01333-4
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1832594322475712512
author Sandro C. Esteves
Peter Humaidan
author_facet Sandro C. Esteves
Peter Humaidan
author_sort Sandro C. Esteves
collection DOAJ
description Abstract 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.
format Article
id doaj-art-2128337efe9b465a8b437e2354aebe74
institution Kabale University
issn 1477-7827
language English
publishDate 2025-01-01
publisher BMC
record_format Article
series Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology
spelling doaj-art-2128337efe9b465a8b437e2354aebe742025-01-19T12:43:30ZengBMCReproductive Biology and Endocrinology1477-78272025-01-0123S112010.1186/s12958-024-01333-4The role of luteinizing hormone activity in spermatogenesis: from physiology to clinical practiceSandro C. Esteves0Peter Humaidan1ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction ClinicDepartment of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus UniversityAbstract 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.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-024-01333-4Male infertilityHypogonadismHormonal therapyLuteinizing hormoneHuman chorionic gonadotropinSpermatogenesis
spellingShingle Sandro C. Esteves
Peter Humaidan
The role of luteinizing hormone activity in spermatogenesis: from physiology to clinical practice
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology
Male infertility
Hypogonadism
Hormonal therapy
Luteinizing hormone
Human chorionic gonadotropin
Spermatogenesis
title The role of luteinizing hormone activity in spermatogenesis: from physiology to clinical practice
title_full The role of luteinizing hormone activity in spermatogenesis: from physiology to clinical practice
title_fullStr The role of luteinizing hormone activity in spermatogenesis: from physiology to clinical practice
title_full_unstemmed The role of luteinizing hormone activity in spermatogenesis: from physiology to clinical practice
title_short The role of luteinizing hormone activity in spermatogenesis: from physiology to clinical practice
title_sort role of luteinizing hormone activity in spermatogenesis from physiology to clinical practice
topic Male infertility
Hypogonadism
Hormonal therapy
Luteinizing hormone
Human chorionic gonadotropin
Spermatogenesis
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-024-01333-4
work_keys_str_mv AT sandrocesteves theroleofluteinizinghormoneactivityinspermatogenesisfromphysiologytoclinicalpractice
AT peterhumaidan theroleofluteinizinghormoneactivityinspermatogenesisfromphysiologytoclinicalpractice
AT sandrocesteves roleofluteinizinghormoneactivityinspermatogenesisfromphysiologytoclinicalpractice
AT peterhumaidan roleofluteinizinghormoneactivityinspermatogenesisfromphysiologytoclinicalpractice