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African Journal of Urology
Published in: African Journal of Urology 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | Undescended Testis | Review

The curious case of testicular descent: factors controlling testicular descent with a note on cryptorchidism

Authors: Sumi Elizebeth Reny, Aruna Mukherjee, P. Mini Mol

Published in: African Journal of Urology | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Background

The testicular descent is a uniquely complex process depending upon multiple factors like growth and reorganisation of the specific gonadal ligaments, hormones, etc., which interplay with each other. Though an unambiguous event, it is still laced with incredulity since the data interpretation were intermingled between different species creating more ambiguity in certain aspects of this process. In order to understand the aetiopathology of cryptorchidism the extensive study of the factors controlling the descent is necessitous.

Main body

Though testes originate in the abdomen, they migrate to an extra abdominal site the scrotum, which makes it vulnerable to pathological conditions associated with the descent. The hormones that play vital role in the first phase of descent are insulin-like hormone 3 (INSL3), Anti-müllerian hormone as well as testosterone, whereas androgens, genitofemoral nerve and its neurotransmitter calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) influence the second phase. Despite the vast research regarding the complex nexus of events involving the descent there are disparities among the cross species studies. However all these discrepancies make testicular descent yet again fascinating and perplexing. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive review including recent advances which provides thorough coverage of anatomical and hormonal factors in the descent as well as cryptorchidism.

Conclusion

Though our understanding on testicular descent has evolved over the decades there still has obscurity surrounding it and the studies on the factors responsible for descent are becoming more intense with the time. Our knowledge on many factors such as INSL3 and CGRP is more established now; however, on the other hand the role of androgens still remains speculative. As the knowledge and understanding of the biological process of testicular descent increases it will pave ways to new treatment plans to treat cryptorchidism more effectively.
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Metadata
Title
The curious case of testicular descent: factors controlling testicular descent with a note on cryptorchidism
Authors
Sumi Elizebeth Reny
Aruna Mukherjee
P. Mini Mol
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
African Journal of Urology / Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 1110-5704
Electronic ISSN: 1961-9987
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12301-023-00342-w

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