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Demystifying Androgen: How to Promote Testicle and Prostate Formation in Male Development?
Androgens are a class of natural or synthetic steroid hormones whose main function is to regulate the development and maintenance of male characteristics in vertebrates. These hormones act by binding to androgen receptors, promoting embryonic development of the male sex organs and development of male secondary sex characteristics during puberty. Although androgens are often thought of as solely male sex hormones, women also have them, however in relatively low concentrations. Although androgens are present in both sexes, their different roles and influences in the physiology and development of men and women should not be underestimated.
Androgens are synthesized by the testicles, ovaries and adrenal glands. The main androgen is testosterone.
Types and examples of androgens
Androgens include many types, mainly including adrenal androgens. These 19-carbon steroids are mainly produced in the inner layer of the adrenal cortex, including dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), etc. In addition to testosterone, other androgens include:
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
- Epiandrostenedione
- Hydroepiandrosterone (Androstenediol)
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Biological functions of androgens
Male prenatal development
In the development of mammals, the gonads initially have the potential to form ovaries or testes. In humans, around the 4th week, the germ of the gonad appears and gradually develops into a testicle. During the 6th week, epithelial sex cords begin to form within the testicle and contain the migratory germ cells. Among these processes, Y chromosome genes, such as the SRY gene, play an important role in the development of the male phenotype.
Secretion and effects of androgens
During the development of a male fetus, Sartorius cells and Leydig cells in the testicles begin to produce androgens. Androgens not only provide the necessary hormones for Sartorius cells to support sperm production, but also promote the masculinization of the fetus, including the formation of the penis and scrotum. At 8 weeks, Redick cells differentiate and begin to produce androgens, further promoting these developmental processes.
Male pubertal development
During puberty, male androgen levels rise sharply and drive the development of typical male secondary sex characteristics, such as a deepening of the voice, increased muscle mass, and growth of the genitals. As gonadal hormones optimize sperm production, androgens, along with luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), work together on Sartorius cells in the testicles to support continued sperm production.
Androgens play an important role in regulating fat distribution, muscle mass, and behavior, which are directly related to male characteristics.
Psychological and behavioral effects
In addition to reproductive system development, androgens may also affect behavior. In some animals, androgens have been shown to influence the regulation of behaviors such as aggression and sexual desire. Research shows that androgens not only change brain structure but may also be linked to mood disorders such as depression.
Medical uses and future research directions
Medically, men with low testosterone levels can undergo hormone replacement therapy with the goal of restoring normal sexual function. However, the use of androgens also poses therapeutic challenges; for example, in the management of prostate cancer, castration surgery is sometimes chosen to remove the primary source of testosterone.
With a deeper understanding of androgens, new treatments and targets may emerge in the future to improve sex hormone-related diseases. Understanding the specific role of androgens in male development will help advance corresponding biomedical research.
As we explore the biological functions and influence of androgens, should we re-examine all aspects of our knowledge and understanding of gender and physiological development?
