Quantification of the Androgen and Estrogen Receptors in the Penile Tissues of Hypospadias in Comparison with Normal Children

Abstract

Introduction

Hypospadias is a common congenital abnormality typified by a proximally placed ectopic urethral meatus along the ventral surface of the penis. Androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER) expression in the hypospadias tissues may be altered in hypospadias.

Methodology

We evaluated by immunohistochemistry the AR and ER expression in 75 tissues from hypospadias repair, and compared this expression to that of tissue from 75 patients undergoing circumcision. We also compared the intensity of AR and ER expression between different severities of hypospadias.

Results

AR quantitative grading score decreased with severity of hypospadias, while the ER score increased as the hypospadias worsened, which was statistically significant (p-value <0.05).

Conclusion

The penile tissue AR expression is decreased and ER expression is increased with increasing severity of hypospadias.

Keywords:

• Androgen receptors
• estrogen receptors
• hypospadias
• immunohistochemistry

Conflict of interest disclosure statement

The authors would like to disclose the following related to the manuscript under consideration for submission:

1. No support ever was provided in the form of funding, provision of study materials, medical writing or article processing charges.

2. No grants or contracts were received from any entity.

3. No royalties or licenses are associated with this manuscript.

4. No consulting fees were levied or provided.

5. No payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers’ bureaus, manuscript writing or educational events was received.

6. No payment was asked or received for expert testimony.

7. No support was asked or given for attending meetings and/or travel.

8. No patents are planned, issues or is pending.

9. There was no participation on Data Safety Monitoring Board or Advisory Board.

10. There is no paid or unpaid leadership/fiduciary role in any other board, society, committee or advocacy group.

11. There are no stock or stock options.

12. There has been no receipt of equipments, materials, drugs, medical writings or any other forms of gifts or other services from anyone.

13. No other financial or non-financial interests are exhibited.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.