Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in both sexes. It is primarily responsible for stimulating follicular growth and maturation in the ovary in females and spermatogenesis in males. FSH has been extensively studied in recent years due to its role in fertility and its potential for therapeutic applications. This article reviews the current literature on FSH, its biological functions, its roles in fertility, and its therapeutic applications.
Biological Functions
FSH is a glycoprotein hormone composed of two subunits (alpha and beta) that are connected by disulfide bonds. The alpha subunit is similar across species, while the beta subunit is species-specific. FSH is secreted in a pulsatile manner and is regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. The primary function of FSH is to stimulate the growth and maturation of follicles in the ovary of females and to stimulate spermatogenesis in males. In females, FSH stimulates the growth and development of the ovarian follicles, the production of estradiol, and the formation of the corpus luteum. In males, FSH stimulates the production of spermatozoa.
Roles in Fertility
FSH is essential for normal reproductive function in both males and females. In females, it is essential for follicular growth and maturation and is essential for the normal production of estradiol and the formation of the corpus luteum. In males, FSH is essential for spermatogenesis. Abnormal levels of FSH can lead to infertility in both sexes. Elevated levels of FSH in females can lead to anovulation and a decreased chance of pregnancy. In males, elevated levels of FSH can lead to oligospermia or azoospermia.
Therapeutic Applications
FSH has been studied as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of infertility. It has been used to induce ovulation in women with anovulation and to increase sperm counts in men with oligospermia or azoospermia. FSH has also been studied as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Conclusion
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in both sexes. Its primary function is to stimulate the growth and maturation of follicles in the ovary in females and to stimulate spermatogenesis in males. FSH has been studied extensively in recent years due to its role in fertility and its potential for therapeutic applications. This article reviewed the current literature on FSH, its biological functions, its roles in fertility, and its therapeutic applications.
References
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Gougeon, A. (1996). Regulation of ovarian follicular development in primates: Facts and hypotheses. Endocrine Reviews, 17(2), 121-155.
Kendall, A., & Dowsett, M. (2006). Follicle-stimulating hormone for ovulation induction in anovulatory infertility. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2), CD001750.
Knight, P. G., & Glister, C. (1998). The role of follicle-stimulating hormone in male reproduction. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 145(1-2), 161-172.
Tulppala, M., Vanky, E., & Puurunen, J. (2005). Therapeutic use of follicle-stimulating hormone for female infertility. Human Reproduction Update, 11(3), 259-269.