Inhibin B and FSH as markers of Sertoli cell function in impaired spermatogenesis

Abstract

Introduction: The relationships between inhibin B, FSH and sperm count have never been fully elucidated. Our aim was to search for associations between serum concentrations of inhibin B/FSH and the impairment of spermatogenesis.
Material and methods: In an observational study, we compared sperm count, serum levels of inhibin B and FSH in men with oligozoospermia (n = 46) and in normozoospermic, fertile controls (n = 38).
Results: Concentration of FSH was 10.27 ± 11.24 IU/L in the oligozoospermic and 3.84 ± 2.76 IU/L in the normospermic group (p < 0.01). Although the concentration of inhibin B was higher in the oligozoospermic group (424 ± 443 v. 297 ± 219 pg/mL), the difference was statistically insignificant.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that there is a tendency toward increased serum inhibin B levels in subjects with altered sperm count and increased serum FSH.
(Pol J Endocrinol 2010; 61 (6): 695-698)