New diagnostic tool for early detection of diseases related to involuntary childlessness – new markers of testicular and ovarian function

Testosterone deficiency (TD) in men is a common condition which, however, is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are rather uncharacteristic and measuring testosterone levels in blood is not a reliable test for diagnosing this condition. In adult males, TD is not only associated with impaired sexual function but, in a long run can lead to increased risk risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases as well as osteoporosis. An improved diagnostic tool for TD is crucial for better selection of patients who should be treated with testosterone. A large proportion of males with impaired fertility also have TD. This presents a unique opportunity: since many infertility patients are in contact with healthcare systems at an early stage in life, their treatment process could serve as a crucial window for detecting and preventing serious conditions affecting their life quality and expectancy.

Objective

This project aims to develop new diagnostic test for TD by assessing biological activity of testosterone. The goal is to enable early intervention, improving both reproductive and overall long-term health outcomes.

A research group at Lund University has recently patented three novel biomarkers that indicate how testosterone affects the body. This project aims to bridge that gap by developing standardized analysis methods for these markers, including INSL3 and three additional key indicators, ensuring that they can be used effectively in clinical settings.

Potential Impact

By integrating advanced diagnostic testing into patient care, this initiative has the potential to redefine how TD is managed—not just as a reproductive challenge, but as a key predictor of broader health risks. This could contribute to developing a precision medicine concept in treating males with testosterone and also transform fertility clinics into preventive healthcare hubs, allowing for early disease detection and personalized treatment strategies that extend far beyond fertility alone. The new method will not only enable us to measure testosterone activity in males but can even be applied in women and children in whom measuring testosterone levels is a huge challenge.