DELAYED PUBERTY IN BOYS: MODERN APPROACHES TO DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Keywords:
delayed puberty, inhibin B, anti-Mullerian hormone, hypogonadism, Sertoli cells, fertility, pubertyAbstract
Delayed puberty (DP) in boys is a relevant interdisciplinary issue in pediatric and adolescent endocrinology, requiring accurate diagnosis and an individualized therapeutic approach. This review summarizes current evidence on the role of inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as markers of Sertoli cell function in DP. The mechanisms of secretion and physiological roles of these biomarkers are reviewed, along with their dynamics across different age periods and their diagnostic and prognostic value in differentiating between constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) and hypogonadism. The associations between inhibin B and AMH levels and traditional hormonal parameters (LH, FSH, testosterone), as well as fertility, are discussed. The prospects of using these markers for early diagnosis, prediction of pubertal progression, and assessment of reproductive potential in adolescent males are considered. It is concluded that the inclusion of inhibin B and AMH in diagnostic algorithms for DP is advisable to improve diagnostic accuracy and optimize patient management strategies.
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