OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of antisperm antibodies (AsAb), sexual hormones, and inhibin B (INH B) in patients before and after testicular torsion, as well as the effects of these factors on testicular function and reproduction.

METHODSTen patients with single acute testicular torsion (left side 9 and right side 1), aged 16-45 years (19.6 on average), disease course of 3-6 days (averaging 4.7 days), underwent surgical removal of the damaged testis. Before and after the operation, serum AsAb (IgG, IgM, IgA) and INH B were measured by ELISA, and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteotropic hormone (LH), and testosterone (T) determined by chemoluminescence autoanalyzer.

RESULTSAfter the operation, the AsAb levels rose significantly and remained high for at least 26 weeks. The level of INH B was the lowest in the 3rd week and restored to normal in the 12th week, with significant difference between preoperation and the 3rd or the 6th week after the operation. The levels of LH and INH B in the 26th week were elevated significantly compared with the 6th.

CONCLUSIONTesticular injury induced the elevation of AsAb, which would last a very long time. The change of INH B was closely related with the injury of the testis, which reflected the degree of testicular injury and functional restoration of the patients after the operation. Our study showed that AsAb and INH B can be used as useful tools for monitoring testicular function and reproduction.