Utility of fibroblast growth factor 21 as a novel marker in cases of idiopathic male infertility | ||
| Benha Medical Journal | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 16 October 2025 PDF (629.83 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/bmfj.2025.413387.2612 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Samy H. Mohamed1; Marwa M. Abo Elata* 2; Nehad A. Fouad3; Karem T. khalil4 | ||
| 1Professor of Dermatology & Venereology and Andrology Faculty of Medicine - Benha University | ||
| 2M.B.B.CH Faculty of Medicine - Benha University | ||
| 3Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology Faculty of Medicine - Benha University | ||
| 4Assistant Professor of Dermatology & Venereology and Andrology Faculty of Medicine - Benha University | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: The male factor accounts for approximately 50% of infertility cases. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been implicated in the female reproduction, raising the possibility of its role in male fertility. Aim: To assess serum and seminal FGF21 levels in infertile men. Materials and methods: Participants were separated into two groups: infertile men (n=60) and normally fertile men (n=60). They were subjected to a history and genital examination. The laboratory tests included serum total testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and standard sperm analysis. FGF-21 levels in serum and sperm were determined using the ELISA method. Results: The mean duration of infertility in patients was 4.3 ± 2.7years. Patients had significantly reduced levels of FGF21 in sperm and serum compared to controls (P value < 0.001). FGF21 levels were considerably lower in semen than serum in both groups (P value < 0.001). Serum and seminal FGF21 levels showed a substantial correlation with sperm concentration, motility, and morphology (P value < 0.001). Conclusion: FGF-21 could have an imoportant role in the pathophysiology of idiopathic male infertility. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Fibroblast growth factor 21; Male infertility; Semen | ||
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