Endocrinopathies and Male Infertility

Abstract

Male infertility is approaching a concerning prevalence worldwide, and inflicts various impacts on the affected couple. The hormonal assessment is a vital component of male fertility evaluation as endocrine disorders are markedly reversible causatives of male infertility. Precise hormonal regulations are prerequisites to maintain normal male fertility parameters. The core male reproductive event, spermatogenesis, entails adequate testosterone concentration, which is produced via steroidogenesis in the Leydig cells. Physiological levels of both the gonadotropins are needed to achieve normal testicular functions. The hypothalamus-derived gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is considered the supreme inducer of the gonadotropins and thereby the subsequent endocrine reproductive events. This hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis may be modulated by the thyroidal or adrenal axis and numerous other reproductive and nonreproductive hormones. Disruption of this fine hormonal balance and their crosstalk leads to a spectrum of endocrinopathies, inducing subfertility or infertility in men. This review article will discuss the most essential endocrinopathies associated with male factor infertility to aid precise understanding of the endocrine disruptions-mediated male infertility to encourage further research to reveal the detailed etiology of male infertility and perhaps to develop more customized therapies for endocrinopathy-induced male infertility.

Role of anti-Mullerian hormone in polycystic ovary syndrome

“…But its minute alteration in concentration can be seen during the menstrual cycle which is not so much significant [22][23][24]. Sertoli cells also express AMH in male reproductive system which inhibits the development of Müllerian ducts during the embryonic life and thus acts as a marker for the sexual differentiation besides differences in two different reproductive tracts [25][26][27][28]. When there is no influence of AMH, the Müllerian ducts give rise to the development of fallopian tube, uterus, cervix, and the upper one third of the vagina, and any alterations in AMH levels or its receptors may disrupt the development of female reproductive system [29].…”

Nonsurgical Treatment of Male Infertility: Specific Therapy

“…Ablative treatments work by removing the prolactin source and, as a result, the suppression of GnRH secretion that is occurring. It is still vital to monitor the patient's gonadotropin levels after treatment since additional intervention with exogenous gonadotropins may be required to maximize therapeutic benefit (50).…”

Antioxidant Paradox in Male Infertility: ‘A Blind Eye’ on Inflammation

“…Illicit drugs that impair male fertility include cocaine, marijuana, opiates (narcotics), anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS), and methamphetamines [ 17 , 18 ]. Other endogenous factors, including metabolic syndromes (such as obesity and insulin resistance), psychological stress, and dietary factors also have been widely documented as causatives of male infertility, impairing the testicular redox balance, affecting the endocrine axes that regulate male reproduction, testicular histology, leading to disrupted testicular functions, sperm membrane lipid peroxidation (LPO), sperm DNA fragmentation, genetic and epigenetic modifications of sperm, sperm dysfunctions and overall deteriorated semen quality [ 16 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”