DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2013.v01i05.0063

Pages: 606-618

Anti mullerian hormone (AMH) is a homodimeric glycoprotein belonging to the transforming growth factors (TGF-β) super family. AMH plays a fundamental role in the regression of mullerian ducts in male embryo. In boys, it is significantly produced in Sertoli cells of testes until puberty and then slowly decreases to residual values for the rest of the men’s life. In female, it is secreted by granulosa cells of small follicles in the ovary. AMH levels accurately reflects the ovarian follicular reserve and could therefore, be considered as extremely sensitive marker of ovarian aging and a valuable tool in the diagnosis and the recognition of recurrence of granulosa cell tumor. AMH evaluation is of clinical importance in predicting of ovarian responsiveness, male hypogonadism and ovarian function cessation and in assisted reproduction. AMH could be a replacement diagnostic marker of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in cases in which ultrasonographic examination is not possible. The measurement of serum AMH levels during woman’s reproductive life represents an ideal tool for the assessment of the ovarian follicular reserve. Special reference is made to the possible implications of AMH in the pathogenesis of PCOS and the relationship between AMH and obesity.