Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Vitamin D (VD) metabolism is active in normal testis, but lost during the malignant progression from carcinoma in situ (CIS) to overt germ cell tumors (TGCTs). CIS and TGCTs are often associated with intratubular deposition of hydroxyapatite (microlithiasis). Imbalance in FGF23 and PTH homeostasis may result in calcification of mesodermal-derived tissue, so we hypothesized that this mechanism may be involved in testicular microlithiasis. Here, we investi...

Currently, no treatment options exist to improve semen quality for the majority of infertile men. Proper interaction between germ and Sertoli cells in the testis is critical for sperm production, and a recent study suggested that Denosumab, an inhibitor of RANKL signaling, may stimulate sperm production in some infertile men. Here, we show in animal and human studies how expression of the RANKL signaling system is critical for both Sertoli cell function and the testicular resp...