Androgen Receptor Localization in Human Oral Mucosa: Implications for Hypospadias Surgery

Hypospadias is a congenital defect of the urethra that often requires surgical correction. Oral mucosa (OM) is commonly used as a graft material in adult and pediatric urethroplasties (revised as suggested by Reviewer #3) , but its suitability for pediatric hypospadias surgery remains uncertain. A critical concern is whether OM grafts can grow proportionally with the penis during puberty, a process driven by androgen signaling. This study investigates androgen receptor (AR) localization and responsiveness in adult human OM to provide foundational insights for its potential clinical applications in hypospadias surgery.