Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin on the expression of androgen receptor and heat shock protein 90α in foreskin tissues of prepubertal children with micropenis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

Objective To investigate the effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and heat shock protein 90α (HSP90α) in foreskin tissues of prepubertal children with micropenis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Methods Ten patients were treated with hCG, and 10 normal prepubertal children served as controls. Their penis length was measured before and 3 months after treatment of hCG. The expression of AR and HSP90α in foreskin tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Mean penis length of all patients was (3.44 ± 0.24) cm, shorter than that of the control group [ (4.29 ±0.26) cm, P <0.01 ]. Mean absorbance of AR in foreskin tissues of all patients was 0.155 ± 0.060, lower than that of the control group [ (0.260 ± 0.049), P < 0.01 ]. Mean absorbance of HSP90α in foreskin tissues of all patients was 0.115 ±0.034, lower than that of the control group [ (0.178 ± 0.043), P < 0.01 ]. Mean penis length of all patients was (3.44 ± 0.24) cm, shorter than that after treatment with hCG [ (3.97 ±0.27) , cm, P <0.01 ]. Mean absorbance of AR in foreskin tissues of all patients was 0.155 ± 0.060, lower than that after treatment with hCG [ (0.224 ± 0.072), P < 0.05 ]. Mean absorbance of HSP90α in foreskin tissues of all patients was 0.115 ±0.034, lower than that after treatment with hCG [ (0.163 ± 0.054), P<0.05]. Conclusion Expression of AR and HSP90α in the penile tissue of prepubertal children with micropenis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is lower than that of normal prepubertal children. The hCG treatment on prepubertal children with micropenis in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism can play an active role in the expression of AR and HSP90α in the penile tissue, promoting the growth of micropenis. Key words: Penile disease;  Human chorionic gonadotropin;  Androgen receptor;  Heat Shock protein