Ketoconazole's effect on testicular development in cryptorchidism

Ketoconazole Contributes to Cryptorchidism Outcome Via Modulating Testicular Macrophage Trem2

Not applicable Interventional Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University · NCT06560086

This study is testing if ketoconazole can help improve testicular development in boys with undescended testicles by looking at how it affects certain immune cells and hormone levels.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages8 Weeks to 13 Weeks
SexMale
SponsorAffiliated Hospital of Nantong University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nantong, Jiangsu)
Trial IDNCT06560086 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the role of ketoconazole in improving outcomes for cryptorchidism by modulating macrophage activity, specifically targeting Trem2 expression. It examines the relationship between testicular macrophages and Leydig cell hormone secretion, focusing on insulin-like 3 levels. The study involves treating human embryonic testes with ketoconazole for 14 days and comparing the results to untreated controls, alongside luteinizing hormone stimulation to assess its effects on Trem2 and hormone levels. The goal is to establish Trem2 as a potential therapeutic target for promoting normal testicular descent.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are fetuses between 8 and 13 weeks of gestation with intact development and no malformations.

Not a fit: Patients whose pregnancies are terminated due to fetal health issues or those with developmental abnormalities will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved treatment strategies for cryptorchidism, potentially enhancing testicular development and function.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting Trem2 in this context may be novel, previous studies have explored the role of macrophages in testicular function, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1. Termination of pregnancy is not related to the health of the fetus.
* 2. The fetus is intact in development and free of malformations and abnormalities.
* 3. Estimation of gestational age based on parietal-rump length must be between 8 and 13 weeks of gestation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1. The termination of pregnancy is related to the health of the fetus
* 2. The fetus is not intact in development.
* 3. The fetus has malformations, abnormalities
* 4. Estimation of gestational age based on parietal-rump length must not be within 8-13 weeks of gestation.

Where this trial is running

Nantong, Jiangsu

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cryptorchidismcryptorchidismtesticular macrophagesLeydig cellsimmune micro-environment
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.