Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2196366 | Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology | 2012 | 5 Pages |
Inhibin and activins play major roles as paracrine and autocrine signaling molecules in reproduction and development where the main emphasis has been placed in developing potential diagnostic applications. While a role for activin assays in diagnostics has so far been unfounded, ELISAs specific for the biologically active inhibin A and B dimers, and for free inhibin alpha subunits, alone or in combination have found some specific diagnostic applications. Addition of inhibin A to the triple test for Down syndrome in the second trimester of pregnancy, measurement of total inhibin as a marker of certain forms of ovarian cancer in specific circumstances, and inhibin B for male fertility are useful diagnostics. A review of the evidence so far suggests that other applications for inhibin and activin assays have yet to be confirmed, or translated into reliable tools for clinical practice.
► Diagnostic value of inhibin and activin measurements were evaluated. ► Inhibin A enhances diagnosis of Down syndrome in second trimester pregnancy. ► Total inhibin is a marker of certain forms of ovarian cancer. ► Inhibin B is useful in male infertility. ► Other applications remain unclear.