Category: Cryptorchidism

Gene Expression Changes Underlying Idiopathic Central Hypogonadism in Cryptorchidism with Defective Mini-Puberty

---

The whole genome RNA profiling of testicular biopsies by DNA strand-specific RNA sequencing was examined to determine a potential causative role of isolated congenitalcryptorchidism in azoospermia and/or infertility in the context of our previously published GeneChip data. Cryptorchid patients, aged 7 months to 5 years and otherwise healthy, were enrolled in this prospective study.
Download complete article

GnRHa Treatment of Cryptorchid Boys Affects Genes Involved in Hormonal Control of the HPG Axis and FertilityThe gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa; Buserelin) rescues fertility during adulthood in the majority of high infertility risk cryptorchid boys presenting with defective mini-puberty. However, the molecular events governing this effect are not understood. We report the outcome of an RNA profiling analysis of testicular biopsies from 4 operated patients who were treated with GnRHa for 6 months versus 3 operated controls who were not treated.
Download complete article

Opinion: Comment on Evaluation and Treatment of Cryptorchidism: AUA/AAP and Nordic Consensus Guidelines

---

The ultimate goal in the treatment of cryptorchidism is to achieve normal fertility. However, in a substantial number of cryptorchid males, early and apparently successful orchidopexy does not improve fertility as it does not address the underlying pathophysiological cause, namely, the impaired transformation of gonocytes into Ad spermatogonia. It is important to realize that over half the patients presenting with unilateral cryptorchidism and the majority of those presenting with bilateral cryptorchidism have abnormal spermiogram which indicates that unilateral cryptorchidism is in fact a bilateral disease and therefore a serious andrological problem. More importantly, only testicular biopsy can nowadays determine which patient should benefit from hormonal therapy. Download complete article