Possible role of androgen receptor gene in therapeutic response of infertile men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

ABSTRACTHypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is defined as a dysfunction of hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, which causes impairments in gametogenesis, pubertal maturation, and/or secretion of the gonadal sex hormones. Human chronic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulates the Leydig cellsof the testis to secrete testosterone, which is essential for spermatogenesis. Testosteronereplacement therapy is one of the possible options to manage HH treatment. Given the fact that testosteronefunctions are mediated via androgen receptor(AR), the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the CAG/GGN triple repeat expansion in AR gene can modulate the response to hCG and testosteronetreatment in HH men. Sixty-two men who diagnosed with HH and treated with testosteroneand hCG were assessed after treatment. They were classified into two groups, 31 subjects with a positive and 31 subjects with a negative response to replacement therapy within 12–18 months. Androgen receptorCAG and GGN repeat numbers were measured i...