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Drechsel KCE, Pilon MCF, Stoutjesdijk F, Meivis S, Schoonmade LJ, Wallace WHB, van Dulmen-den Broeder E, Beishuizen A, Kaspers GJL, Broer SL, Veening MA. Reproductive ability in survivors of childhood, adolescent, and young adult Hodgkin lymphoma: a review. Hum Reprod Update 2023:7034966. [PMID: 36779325 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Owing to a growing number of young and adolescent Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) survivors, awareness of (long-term) adverse effects of anticancer treatment increases. The risk of impaired reproductive ability is of great concern given its impact on quality of life. There is currently no review available on fertility after childhood HL treatment. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this narrative review was to summarize existing literature on different aspects of reproductive function in male and female childhood, adolescent, and young adult HL survivors. SEARCH METHODS PubMed and EMBASE were searched for articles evaluating fertility in both male and female HL survivors aged <25 years at diagnosis. In females, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), acute ovarian failure, menstrual cycle, FSH, and pregnancy/live births were evaluated. In males, semen-analysis, serum FSH, inhibin B, LH, testosterone, and reports on pregnancy/live births were included. There was profound heterogeneity among studies and a lack of control groups; therefore, no meta-analyses could be performed. Results were presented descriptively and the quality of studies was not assessed individually. OUTCOMES After screening, 75 articles reporting on reproductive markers in childhood or adolescent HL survivors were included. Forty-one papers reported on 5057 female HL survivors. The incidence of POI was 6-34% (median 9%; seven studies). Signs of diminished ovarian reserve or impaired ovarian function were frequently seen (low AMH 55-59%; median 57%; two studies. elevated FSH 17-100%; median 53%; seven studies). Most survivors had regular menstrual cycles. Fifty-one studies assessed fertility in 1903 male HL survivors. Post-treatment azoospermia was highly prevalent (33-100%; median 75%; 29 studies). Long-term follow-up data were limited, but reports on recovery of semen up to 12 years post-treatment exist. FSH levels were often elevated with low inhibin B (elevated FSH 0-100%; median 51.5%; 26 studies. low inhibin B 19-50%; median 45%; three studies). LH and testosterone levels were less evidently affected (elevated LH 0-57%, median 17%; 21 studies and low testosterone 0-43%; median 6%; 15 studies). In both sexes, impaired reproductive ability was associated with a higher dose of cumulative chemotherapeutic agents and pelvic radiotherapy. The presence of abnormal markers before treatment indicated that the disease itself may also negatively affect reproductive function (Females: AMH<p10 9%; one study and Males: azoospermia 0-50%; median 10%; six studies). Reports on chance to achieve pregnancy during survivorship are reassuring, although studies had their limitations and the results are difficult to evaluate. In the end, a diminished ovarian reserve does not exclude the chance of a live birth, and males with aberrant markers may still be able to conceive. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review substantiates the negative effect of HL treatment on gonadal function and therefore young HL survivors should be counseled regarding their future reproductive life, and fertility preservation should be considered. The current level of evidence is insufficient and additional trials on the effects of HL and (current) treatment regimens on reproductive function are needed. In this review, we make a recommendation on reproductive markers that could be assessed and the timing of (repeated) measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja C E Drechsel
- Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maxime C F Pilon
- Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Francis Stoutjesdijk
- Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Salena Meivis
- Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Linda J Schoonmade
- Medical Library, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eline van Dulmen-den Broeder
- Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Auke Beishuizen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Haematology/Oncology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gertjan J L Kaspers
- Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Simone L Broer
- Department of Reproductive Medicine & Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Margreet A Veening
- Pediatric Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Grinspon RP, Arozarena M, Prada S, Bargman G, Sanzone M, Morales Bazurto M, Gutiérrez M, Bedecarrás P, Kannemann A, Elena GO, Gottlieb S, Berenstein AJ, Ropelato MG, Bergadá I, Aversa LA, Rey RA. Safety of standardised treatments for haematologic malignancies as regards to testicular endocrine function in children and teenagers. Hum Reprod 2019; 34:2480-2494. [PMID: 31768530 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does standardised treatments used in children and adolescents with haematologic malignancies, including acute lymphoblastic (ALL) or myeloid leukaemia (AML) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), affect endocrine function of the developing testes? SUMMARY ANSWER Therapy of haematologic malignancies do not provoke an overt damage of Sertoli and Leydig cell populations, as revealed by normal levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and testosterone, but a mild primary testicular dysfunction may be observed, compensated by moderate gonadotropin elevation, during pubertal development. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Evidence exists on the deleterious effect that chemotherapy and radiotherapy have on germ cells, and some attention has been given to the effects on Leydig and Sertoli cells of the adult gonads, but information is virtually non-existent on the effects of oncologic treatment on testicular somatic cell components during childhood and adolescence. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A retrospective, analytical, observational study included 97 boys with haematological malignancies followed at two tertiary paediatric public hospitals in Buenos Aires, Argentina, between 2002 and 2015. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Clinical records of males aged 1-18 years, referred with the diagnoses of ALL, AML or NHL for the assessment of gonadal function, were eligible. We assessed serum levels of AMH and FSH as biomarkers of Sertoli cell endocrine function and testosterone and LH as biomarkers of Leydig cell function. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE All hormone levels were normal in the large majority of patients until early pubertal development. From Tanner stage G3 onwards, while serum AMH and testosterone kept within the normal ranges, gonadotropins reached mildly to moderately elevated values in up to 35.9% of the cases, indicating a compensated Sertoli and/or Leydig cell dysfunction, which generally did not require hormone replacement therapy. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Serum inhibin B determination and semen analysis were not available for most patients; therefore, we could not conclude on potential fertility impairment or identify whether primary Sertoli cell dysfunction resulted in secondary depleted spermatogenesis or whether primary germ cell damage impacted Sertoli cell function. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The regimens used in the treatment of boys and adolescents with ALL, AML or NHL in the past two decades seem relatively safe for endocrine testicular function; nonetheless, a mild primary testicular endocrine dysfunction may be observed, usually compensated by slightly elevated gonadotropin secretion by the pituitary in adolescents, and not requiring hormone replacement therapy. No clinically relevant risk factor, such as severity of the disease or treatment protocol, could be identified in association with the compensated endocrine dysfunction. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was partially funded by grants PIP 11220130100687 of Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) and PICT 2016-0993 of Fondo para la Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (FONCYT), Argentina. R.A.R., R.P.G. and P.B. have received honoraria from CONICET (Argentina) for technology services using the AMH ELISA. L.A.A. is part-time employee of CSL Behring Argentina. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina P Grinspon
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Arozarena
- Unidad de Hematología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Prada
- Unidad de Hematología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Graciela Bargman
- División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Pedro de Elizalde, C1270AAN Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Sanzone
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marjorie Morales Bazurto
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela Gutiérrez
- Unidad de Hematología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia Bedecarrás
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Kannemann
- Unidad de Hematología, Hospital Pedro de Elizalde, C1270AAN Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Graciela O Elena
- Unidad de Hematología, Hospital Pedro de Elizalde, C1270AAN Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvia Gottlieb
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ariel J Berenstein
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, División Patología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Gabriela Ropelato
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Bergadá
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis A Aversa
- Unidad de Hematología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo A Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Krawczuk‐Rybak M, Płonowski M, Leszczyńska E, Latoch E, Sawicka‐Żukowska M, Muszyńska‐Rosłan K, Skalska‐Sadowska J, Wachowiak J, Sga‐Pondel D, Kazanowska B, Chybicka A, Stachowicz‐Stencel T, Stefanowicz J, Malinowska I, Matysiak M, Kotan A, Wysocki M, Pobudejska‐Pieniążek A, Szczepański T, Przybyszewski B, Badowska W, Szymańska‐Miller D, Kowalczyk JR, Kamieńska E, Urasiński T, Wawrzeńczyk A, Żelazowska‐Rutkowska B, Cylwik B. The influence of different intensity of treatment on hormonal markers of gonadal function in acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors. Hematol Oncol 2019; 37:609-616. [DOI: 10.1002/hon.2681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Krawczuk‐Rybak
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and HematologyMedical University of Bialystok Bialystok Poland
| | - Marcin Płonowski
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and HematologyMedical University of Bialystok Bialystok Poland
| | - Elżbieta Leszczyńska
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and HematologyMedical University of Bialystok Bialystok Poland
| | - Eryk Latoch
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and HematologyMedical University of Bialystok Bialystok Poland
| | | | | | - Jolanta Skalska‐Sadowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Institute of PediatricsUniversity of Medical Sciences Poznan Poland
| | - Jacek Wachowiak
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Institute of PediatricsUniversity of Medical Sciences Poznan Poland
| | - Dorota Sga‐Pondel
- Department and Clinic of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow TransplantationWroclaw Medical University Wroclaw Poland
| | - Bernarda Kazanowska
- Department and Clinic of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow TransplantationWroclaw Medical University Wroclaw Poland
| | - Alicja Chybicka
- Department and Clinic of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow TransplantationWroclaw Medical University Wroclaw Poland
| | | | - Joanna Stefanowicz
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and OncologyMedical University of Gdansk Gdansk Poland
| | - Iwona Malinowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and OncologyMedical University of Warsaw Warsaw Poland
| | - Michał Matysiak
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and OncologyMedical University of Warsaw Warsaw Poland
| | - Andrzej Kotan
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Collegium MedicumNicolaus Copernicus University Bydgoszcz Poland
| | - Mariusz Wysocki
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Collegium MedicumNicolaus Copernicus University Bydgoszcz Poland
| | | | - Teresa Szczepański
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and OncologyMedical University of Silesia Zabrze Poland
| | | | - Wanda Badowska
- Department of Hematology and OncologyChildren State Hospital Olsztyn Poland
| | | | - Jerzy R. Kowalczyk
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/OncologyMedical University Lublin Poland
| | - Elżbieta Kamieńska
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and OncologyPomeranian Medical University Szczecin Poland
| | - Tomasz Urasiński
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and OncologyPomeranian Medical University Szczecin Poland
| | - Anna Wawrzeńczyk
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and HematologyW. Buszkowski Children's Hospital Kielce Poland
| | | | - Bogdan Cylwik
- Department of Pediatric Laboratory DiagnosticsMedical University of Bialystok Białystok Poland
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Stukenborg JB, Jahnukainen K, Hutka M, Mitchell RT. Cancer treatment in childhood and testicular function: the importance of the somatic environment. Endocr Connect 2018; 7:R69-R87. [PMID: 29351905 PMCID: PMC5817964 DOI: 10.1530/ec-17-0382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Testicular function and future fertility may be affected by cancer treatment during childhood. Whilst survival of the germ (stem) cells is critical for ensuring the potential for fertility in these patients, the somatic cell populations also play a crucial role in providing a suitable environment to support germ cell maintenance and subsequent development. Regulation of the spermatogonial germ-stem cell niche involves many signalling pathways with hormonal influence from the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. In this review, we describe the somatic cell populations that comprise the testicular germ-stem cell niche in humans and how they may be affected by cancer treatment during childhood. We also discuss the experimental models that may be utilized to manipulate the somatic environment and report the results of studies that investigate the potential role of somatic cells in the protection of the germ cells in the testis from cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab StockholmPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kirsi Jahnukainen
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab StockholmPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Haematology-Oncology and Stem Cell TransplantationChildren's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marsida Hutka
- MRC Centre for Reproductive HealthThe Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive HealthThe Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick ChildrenEdinburgh, UK
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Rendtorff R, Beyer M, Müller A, Dittrich R, Hohmann C, Keil T, Henze G, Borgmann A. Low inhibin B levels alone are not a reliable marker of dysfunctional spermatogenesis in childhood cancer survivors. Andrologia 2012; 44 Suppl 1:219-25. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2011.01167.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Cuny A, Trivin C, Brailly-Tabard S, Adan L, Zerah M, Sainte-Rose C, Alapetite C, Brugières L, Habrand JL, Doz F, Brauner R. Inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone as markers of gonadal function after treatment for medulloblastoma or posterior fossa ependymoma during childhood. J Pediatr 2011; 158:1016-1022.e1. [PMID: 21168856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2010.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2010] [Revised: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the roles of hypothalamic-pituitary and spinal irradiations and chemotherapy in gonadal deficiency after treatment for medulloblastoma or posterior fossa ependymoma by measuring levels of plasma inhibin B and antimüllerian hormone (AMH). STUDY DESIGN A total of 34 boys and 22 girls were classified as having normal levels of plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH; <9 IU/L), or abnormal levels of FSH (>9 IU/L) and luteinizing hormone (LH; <5 or >5 IUL). RESULTS Two boys had partial gonadotropin deficiency, combined with testicular deficiency in one boy. Six boys had increased levels of FSH, indicating tubular deficiency, combined with Leydig cell deficiency in 5 boys. The 7 boys with inhibin B levels <100 ng/mL included the one with combined deficiencies and the 6 with testicular deficiency. Puberty did not progress in 7 girls; 3 had gonadotropin deficiency, combined with ovarian deficiency in one, and 4 had increased FSH levels, indicating ovarian deficiency. Inhibin B and AMH levels were low in the girl with combined deficiencies, in the 4 girls with ovarian deficiency, and in 4 girls with normal clinical-biological ovarian function, including 2 who underwent ovarian transposition before irradiation. CONCLUSION The plasma concentrations of inhibin B and AMH are useful means of detecting primary gonad deficiency in patients with no increase in their plasma gonadotropin levels because of radiation-induced gonadotropin deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Cuny
- Université Paris Descartes and AP-HP, Hôpital Bicêtre, Unité d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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Laporte S, Couto-Silva AC, Trabado S, Lemaire P, Brailly-Tabard S, Espérou H, Michon J, Baruchel A, Fischer A, Trivin C, Brauner R. Inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone as markers of gonadal function after hematopoietic cell transplantation during childhood. BMC Pediatr 2011; 11:20. [PMID: 21352536 PMCID: PMC3058047 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2431-11-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2010] [Accepted: 02/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is difficult to predict the reproductive capacity of children given hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) before pubertal age because the plasma concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are not informative and no spermogram can be done. Methods We classified the gonadal function of 38 boys and 34 girls given HCT during childhood who had reached pubertal age according to their pubertal development and FSH and LH and compared this to their plasma inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Results Ten (26%) boys had normal testicular function, 16 (42%) had isolated tubular failure and 12 (32%) also had Leydig cell failure. All 16 boys given melphalan had tubular failure. AMH were normal in 25 patients and decreased in 6, all of whom had increased FSH and low inhibin B. Seven (21%) girls had normal ovarian function, 11 (32%) had partial and 16 (47%) complete ovarian failure. 7/8 girls given busulfan had increased FSH and LH and 7/8 had low inhibin B. AMH indicated that ovarian function was impaired in all girls. FSH and inhibin B were negatively correlated in boys (P < 0.0001) and girls (P = 0.0006). Neither the age at HCT nor the interval between HCT and evaluation influenced gonadal function. Conclusion The concordance between FSH and inhibin B suggests that inhibin B may help in counselling at pubertal age. In boys, AMH were difficult to use as they normally decrease when testosterone increases at puberty. In girls, low AMH suggest that there is major loss of primordial follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Laporte
- Université Paris Descartes and AP-HP, Hôpital Bicêtre, Unité d'Endocrinologie Pédiatrique, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.
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Effects of taxane-based chemotherapy on inhibin B and gonadotropins as biomarkers of spermatogenesis. Fertil Steril 2010; 94:558-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.03.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2009] [Revised: 03/14/2009] [Accepted: 03/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Krawczuk-Rybak M, Solarz E, Wysocka J, Matysiak M, Gadomski A, Kazanowska B, Sega-Pondel D. Testicular function after treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (all) in prepubertal and pubertal boys. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2009; 26:504-14. [PMID: 19863206 DOI: 10.1080/08880010902973665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Testicular function was evaluated in 59 male (27 prepubertal and 32 pubertal) survivors treated for ALL according to two different protocols. Serum inhibin B, FSH, testosterone, LH, and testicular volume were measured. In both groups the mean values of inhibin B were lower than control, whereas the other analyzed parameters were comparable. The inhibin B-to-FSH ratio was reduced as compared to the control. Testicular volume was lower than in healthy pubertal patients. The results show that treatment for ALL has a negative effect on spermatogenesis, regardless of the age at treatment and type of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Krawczuk-Rybak
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Medical University, Bialystok, Poland.
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Martín I, Valls C, Pavía C, Callejo J, Estella J, Cruz O. Gonadal Function and Puberty Assessment in a Cohort of Spanish Pediatric Survivors of Childhood Cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1097/ten.0b013e3181a46acc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Suehiro RM, Borba EF, Bonfa E, Okay TS, Cocuzza M, Soares PMF, Silva CAA. Testicular Sertoli cell function in male systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2008; 47:1692-7. [PMID: 18786967 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/ken338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the testicular Sertoli cell function in male SLE patients. METHODS Thirty-four consecutive patients were prospectively selected to evaluate serum inhibin B. Clinical features, treatment, semen analysis, urological evaluation, testicular ultrasound, hormones and anti-sperm antibodies were determined. RESULTS Patients were subdivided into two groups: low serum inhibin B (Group 1, n = 8) and normal levels (Group 2, n = 26). The median sperm concentration (P = 0.024), total sperm count (P = 0.023) and total motile sperm count (P = 0.025) were lower in Group 1. Inhibin B levels were positively correlated with sperm concentration (r = 0.343), total motile sperm count (r = 0.357), and negatively correlated with follicule-stimulating hormone (FSH) (r = 0.699) and luteinizing hormone (r = 0.397). The median serum inhibin B was lower in SLE patients treated with intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCYC) compared with those without this therapy (P = 0.031). Further evaluation of the 26 SLE patients with normal inhibin B and FSH levels revealed that medians of inhibin B/FSH ratio were lower in SLE patients with oligozoospermia compared with normozoospermia (P = 0.004). This ratio was also lower in SLE patients treated with IVCYC than those without this therapy (P = 0.04). In contrast, inhibin B serum level alone did not discriminate the later group of patients (P = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to identify a high frequency of testicular Sertoli cell dysfunction in male SLE associated with semen abnormalities. Further prospective studies are necessary to determine if inhibin levels and inhibin B/FSH ratio will be an earlier and useful marker of IVCYC toxicity in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Suehiro
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Lähteenmäki PM, Arola M, Suominen J, Salmi TT, Andersson AM, Toppari J. Male reproductive health after childhood cancer. Acta Paediatr 2008; 97:935-42. [PMID: 18430073 DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2008.00784.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM Twenty-five male patients were investigated to elucidate the correlation of semen parameters and other related parameters in the assessment of spermatogenesis after childhood cancer treatment. METHODS Evaluation of given cancer treatment, anthropometric and testicular size measurements, semen analysis, and measurement of gonadotrophins, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and inhibin B were performed according to a protocol. RESULTS Median (range) sperm concentration (SC) was 35.5 (0-273)x10(6)/mL, and percentage of motile sperm 56 (0-86)%. Testicular size (r=0.73, p<0.001) and the level of inhibin B (r=0.66, p<0.001) correlated strongly to SC. SC correlated negatively to FSH (r=0.46, p=0.03). Only testicular size predicted SC significantly (p=0.03). Inhibin B showed highest area under ROC curve (0.83, 95%CI 0.67-0.99) in showing SC<20x10(6)/mL. Body mass index (BMI) did not correlate with SC, but negative correlation between BMI and SHBG was found (r=-0.41, p=0.04). CONCLUSION Although semen analysis is a useful instrument for fertility assessment in men, it is often difficult to get these samples from childhood cancer survivors. Thus, indirect methods are needed in prediction of possible sperm count impairment in postpubertal adolescents after cancer treatment. When combined with the data on testicular size and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level, inhibin B gives valuable addition to the estimations of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Lähteenmäki
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Central Hospital, Turku, Finland.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonadal dysfunction and infertility are potential late effects of cancer therapy. Ifosfamide, an alkylating agent structurally related to cyclophosphamide, is thought to cause gonadal dysfunction, though there is little published evidence. PROCEDURE Patients treated on sarcoma protocols containing ifosfamide as the only potential gonadotoxic agent, were evaluated, assessing pubertal development, menstrual history in the females and semen analysis in males. Biochemical evaluation included measurement of gonadotrophins, inhibin B and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). RESULTS All 32 males progressed normally through puberty. No gonadal dysfunction was seen at a total ifosfamide dose of <60 g/m(2). In those with a dose >60 g/m(2), two-thirds of those who underwent semen analysis were subfertile, 31% had elevated FSH and 50% showed decreased inhibin B supporting evidence of germ cell failure. All 13 females progressed through puberty normally and had regular menses. Biochemical results were in line with published data except for AMH levels, which were lower compared with an age-matched reference group. Nine patients not recruited into the study were known to have had 11 live births. CONCLUSIONS Males appear more susceptible than females to ifosfamide gonadotoxicity. There may be a dose in males below which the risk of subfertility is low. In females there is preliminary evidence of reduction in ovarian reserve as measured by AMH levels, which may potentially lead to an early menopause and a reduction in the window of fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Williams
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
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14
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Nuver J, Smit AJ, Wolffenbuttel BHR, Sluiter WJ, Hoekstra HJ, Sleijfer DT, Gietema JA. The Metabolic Syndrome and Disturbances in Hormone Levels in Long-Term Survivors of Disseminated Testicular Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2005; 23:3718-25. [PMID: 15738540 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.02.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The metabolic syndrome may be an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease in long-term survivors of testicular cancer (TC). We investigated the associations between hormone levels and the metabolic syndrome in these men. Patients and Methods We included TC patients cured by orchidectomy and cisplatin-based chemotherapy, stage I TC patients after orchidectomy only, and healthy men of comparable age. Presence of the metabolic syndrome was determined using guidelines from the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), inhibin B, luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone, sex-hormone–binding globulin, free testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and insulin-like growth factor 1 were determined in blood. Cortisol metabolite excretion was measured in urine. Results Eighty-six chemotherapy patients (median follow-up, 7 years) were compared with 44 stage I patients and 47 controls. LH and FSH were higher, and inhibin B and total and free testosterone were lower in chemotherapy patients than controls. Adrenal and thyroid hormone production were unaffected. Chemotherapy patients with the metabolic syndrome (n = 22; 26%) had a higher body mass index (BMI) pretreatment, a larger BMI increase during follow-up, lower total testosterone, and higher urinary cortisol metabolite excretion than those patients without the metabolic syndrome. BMI and insulin were associated with the metabolic syndrome, while total testosterone and urinary cortisol metabolite excretion were associated with BMI. Conclusion We found gonadal dysfunction, but normal adrenal and thyroid function. Through its association with BMI, testosterone may play a role in the development of the metabolic syndrome in long-term TC survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Nuver
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands
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15
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Luisi S, Florio P, Reis FM, Petraglia F. Inhibins in female and male reproductive physiology: role in gametogenesis, conception, implantation and early pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update 2005; 11:123-35. [PMID: 15618291 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmh057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A great deal of new information has arisen in the recent years concerning inhibin physiology and clinical relevance in reproductive medicine. It is now recognized that the two inhibin isoforms, named inhibin A and inhibin B, are produced by the gonads in the course of gamete maturation and in women have a different pattern of secretion throughout the menstrual cycle. Since inhibins are also produced by placenta and fetal membranes, it has been suggested that there is an involvement in physiological adaptation of pregnancy. Evidence from several sources has underlined the clinical usefulness of the measurement of inhibin-related proteins in the diagnosis and follow-up of different fertility disturbances and early pregnancy viability. In the male, inhibin B is produced in the testis, principally by the Sertoli cells. Inhibin B expression and secretion are positively correlated with Sertoli cell function, sperm number, and spermatogenic status and are negatively correlated with FSH. This review covers the most recent advances on the role of inhibins in human reproductive function. Considerable progress in the understanding of inhibin physiology has resulted from selective measurement of the two inhibin molecular forms, named inhibin A and B. Newly recognized alterations of inhibin levels in gynaecological diseases as well as in normal and pathological pregnancy are discussed, with particular emphasis on the potential clinical usefulness of assessing inhibin levels in serum and other biological fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Luisi
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Italy
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16
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Crofton PM, Thomson AB, Evans AEM, Groome NP, Bath LE, Kelnar CJH, Wallace WHB. Is inhibin B a potential marker of gonadotoxicity in prepubertal children treated for cancer? Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2003; 58:296-301. [PMID: 12608934 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.2003.01712.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Chemotherapy treatment of childhood cancer may impair gonadal function, which may be manifested only in adulthood as permanent sterility. Detection of gonadal dysfunction in prepubertal children has been hampered by the absence of a sensitive marker. Inhibin B is secreted by small antral follicles and Sertoli cells in females and males, respectively, and may be a marker of gonadal function in prepubertal children. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate inhibin B in relation to sensitive measurements of gonadotrophins as markers of the early gonadotoxic effects of chemotherapy in prepubertal children treated for cancer. STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS Twenty-five prepubertal children (9 females), median age 4.5 years (range 1.2-12.8 years) with cancer (16 solid tumours, nine acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, ALL) were studied longitudinally. Blood samples were collected before and during chemotherapy (solid tumours) or immediately following induction and first intensification (ALL). Post-treatment (1-6 months) samples were collected in 12 of the patients (5 females). MEASUREMENTS Dimeric inhibin B was measured by double antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). FSH and LH were measured by sensitive time-resolved immunofluorescence. RESULTS Girls: Pretreatment inhibin B was slightly high in one girl but normal for age and sex in all others: median 16.1 (range 9.4-186.2) ng/l, median SD score +0.2 (-1.3 to +2.6). Inhibin B decreased to undetectable levels (< 8 ng/l) in 8/9 girls during treatment (P = 0.03), with no accompanying rise in FSH or LH. Post-treatment recovery of inhibin B was variable: median 16.1 (range < 8.0-44.2) ng/l, median SD score +0.1 (range < -2.4 to +1.8). Sustained undetectable inhibin B levels were observed in 2/5 girls with correspondingly elevated FSH concentrations (11.8 and 10.9 U/l). Boys: Inhibin B was normal for age and sex in all boys before treatment with no significant change during or after treatment (medians 93 ng/l, 85 ng/l and 94 ng/l, SD scores -0.3, -0.6 and -0.2, respectively). Inhibin B decreased to undetectable levels in one boy post-treatment with no accompanying increase in FSH or LH. CONCLUSIONS In prepubertal girls with cancer, chemotherapy is associated with suppression of inhibin B, usually transient, which may indicate arrest of follicle development. Sustained suppression of inhibin B following treatment may be indicative of permanent ovarian damage. In prepubertal boys, chemotherapy had little immediate effect on Sertoli cell production of inhibin B, although one boy showed a delayed effect. Inhibin B, together with sensitive measurements of FSH, may be a potential marker of the gonadotoxic effects of chemotherapy in prepubertal children with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Crofton
- Section of Child Life and Health, Department of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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17
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18
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Abstract
New treatments for neoplastic diseases of childhood have significantly increased patients' long-term survival and the importance of recognizing and correcting late complications of medical therapy. In this review, we examine both central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS-related endocrine morbidities associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy of childhood cancer. These include effects on growth, puberty, fertility, thyroid and adrenal function which may present many years after the successful treatment of underlying disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- F B Diamond
- Department of Pediatrics University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, USA
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Karamfilov T, Wollina U, Hipler UC, Graefe T, Schreiber G. Effects of adjuvant interferon-alpha low-dose therapy in melanoma patients on serum inhibin B. J Dermatol 2000; 27:639-42. [PMID: 11092267 DOI: 10.1111/j.1346-8138.2000.tb02245.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Because the primary aim of adjuvant therapy for melanoma is not curative, all the possible aspects of quality of life have to be considered. One aspect of increasing importance is fertility. The effect of adjuvant interferon alpha-therapy for malignant melanoma on male fertility has not been systematically investigated. In the present study, twelve male patients with primary cutaneous melanoma (pT3, 4; N0; M0) who were taking adjuvant low-dose interferon alpha2b (3 x 3 mio U/week) for one year were included. Inhibin B--an established marker of male fertility-was measured with an immunosorbent assay before and after one year of interferon alpha-therapy to investigate whether this treatment has any influence on fertility. The results were compared with those from normal controls (n=40). The mean serum inhibin B concentration in melanoma patients before interferon therapy was 225.4 +/- 112.5 pg/mL; after treatment the level was 229.6 +/- 82.0 pg/mL. This difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The serum inhibin B concentration in controls was 201.5 +/- 17.1 pg/mL, which was not statistically different from either untreated or interferon-treated melanoma patients (p>0.05). We conclude that low-dose interferon alpha does not have a significant (negative) effect on inhibin B or male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Karamfilov
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany
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Jahnukainen K, Hou M, Parvinen M, Eksborg S, Söder O. Stage-specific inhibition of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and induction of apoptosis by antracyclines in cultured rat spermatogenic cells. Biol Reprod 2000; 63:482-7. [PMID: 10906053 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod63.2.482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
A rapid in vitro method has been developed to detect early effects of cytostatic drugs on rat spermatogenesis. The induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis) and changes in DNA synthesis induced by doxorubicin and idarubicin were measured in specific stages of the cycle of seminiferous epithelium including mitotic (stage V) and meiotic (stage VIII-IX) S-phase cells. The model was used to investigate the protective effect of an organic thiophosphate, amifostine, against the toxicity of antracyclines. Premitotic DNA synthesis was found to be more sensitive than premeiotic DNA synthesis to antracyclines. Idarubicin was more toxic than doxorubicin to germ cells in inducing apoptosis and suppressing DNA synthesis. Amifostine had no protective effect against doxorubicin- or idarubicin-induced inhibition of DNA synthesis. In contrast, a significant stimulation of DNA synthesis in premitotic cells by amifostine was found, suggesting that this compound may have a stimulative effect on spermatogenic stem cells. These data show that stage-specific dissection of the seminiferous tubules and their in vitro exposure to predetermined doses of drugs may give us a unique possibility to detect drug action and protection against the cytotoxicity of antineoplastic agents at the cellular level of the spermatogenic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Jahnukainen
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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