Cited by 49Growth Hormone and Insulin-like Growth FactorsHypothalamic control of reproductive hormonesHormonal and reproductive studies

Somatotropic-Testicular Axis: A Crosstalk Between GH/IGF-I and Gonadal Hormones During Development, Transition, and Adult Age

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Tenuta, Marta, Carlomagno, Francesco, Cangiano, Biagio, Kanakis, George, Pozza, Carlotta, Sbardella, Emilia, Isidori, Andrea M., Krausz, Csilla +1 more·2021·Andrology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropic (HPS) axes are strongly interconnected. Interactions between these axes are complex and poorly understood. These interactions are characterized by redundancies in reciprocal influences at each level of regulation and the combination of endocrine and paracrine effects that change during development. OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively review the crosstalk between the HPG and HPS axes and related pathological and clinical aspects during various life stages of male subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A thorough search of publications available in PubMed was performed using proper keywords. RESULTS: Molecular studies confirmed the expressions of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptors on the HPG axis and reproductive organs, indicating a possible interaction between HPS and HPG axes at various levels. Insulin growth factors participate in sexual differentiation during fetal development, indicating that normal HPS axis activity is required for proper testicular development. IGF-I contributes to correct testicular position during minipuberty, determines linear growth during childhood, and promotes puberty onset and pace through gonadotropin-releasing hormone activation. IGF-I levels are high during transition age, even when linear growth is almost complete, suggesting its role in reproductive tract maturation. Patients with GH deficiency (GHD) and insensitivity (GHI) exhibit delayed puberty and impaired genital development; replacement therapy in such patients induces proper pubertal development. In adults, few studies have suggested that lower IGF-I levels are associated with impaired sperm parameters. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The role of GH-IGF-I in testicular development remains largely unexplored. However, it is important to evaluate gonadic development in children with GHD. Additionally, HPS axis function should be evaluated in children with urogenital malformation or gonadal development alterations. Correct diagnosis and prompt therapeutic intervention are needed for healthy puberty, attainment of complete gonadal development during transition age, and fertility potential in adulthood.

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  1. Corrêa LL, Lima GAB, Paiva HBdM, et al. Prostate cancer and acro- megaly. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metabol. 2009;53(8):963-968.
  2. Caprio M, Fabbrini E, Isidori AM, Aversa A, Fabbri A. Leptin in re- production. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2001;12(2):65-72.

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Authors
Tenuta, M., Carlomagno, F., Cangiano, B., Kanakis, G., Pozza, C., Sbardella, E., Isidori, A. M., Krausz, C., & Gianfrilli, D.
Affiliations
  • Sapienza University of Rome (IT)
  • University of Milan (IT)
  • Athens Naval & Veterans Hospital (GR)
  • University of Florence (IT)
Corresponding author
Gianfrilli, Daniele
Venue
Andrology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2020-10-23
Volume
9
Issue
1
Pages
168-184
ISSN
  • 2047-2919 (ISSN-L)
  • 2047-2927
OpenAlex
W3089599993
Cited by
49
References
180
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 6
FWCI
0.96
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Andrology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • IRIS Research product catalog (Sapienza University of Rome) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Florence Research (University of Florence) (submittedVersion)
Funders
Sapienza Università di Roma
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Growth Hormone and Insulin-like Growth Factors
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Hypothalamic control of reproductive hormones
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Hormonal and reproductive studies
Keywords
hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor I, testicular development, puberty onset, delayed puberty, GH deficiency, pubertal transition, semen parameters, urogenital malformations, sexual differentiation
MeSH terms
Aging, Humans, Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System, Insulin-Like Growth Factor I, Male, Sex Differentiation, Gonadal Steroid Hormones, Testis, Human Growth Hormone, Receptor Cross-Talk

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