@Article{cju.2026.078502,
AUTHOR = {Nicholas W. Shely, Jacob M. Parker, Hayden J. Oyler, Alexander C. Lien, Bode T. Eisenmenger, Mark R. Wakefield, Yujiang Fang},
TITLE = {Unraveling the metabolic and autoimmune links to male infertility: a narrative review},
JOURNAL = {Canadian Journal of Urology},
VOLUME = {},
YEAR = {},
NUMBER = {},
PAGES = {{pages}},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/CJU/online/detail/27332},
ISSN = {1488-5581},
ABSTRACT = {Male infertility (MI) is a common condition traditionally viewed as a strictly reproductive issue; however, increasing evidence suggests that MI may reflect a broader health issue. Associations of MI and metabolic syndrome (MetS), as well as autoimmune diseases, have been observed. This review summarizes the current evidence linking MI with these conditions, detailing how chronic oxidative stress, systemic proinflammatory cytokines and blood-testis barrier disruption serve as drivers of reproductive decline. Specifically, MetS impairs male fertility through central hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis dysregulation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and testicular hyperthermia. Autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), impair male fertility through chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and peripheral hormonal dysregulation. Emerging evidence also suggests a bidirectional relationship, implying that MI can precede or exacerbate systemic illness. MI as an indicator of overall health may improve early detection of metabolic and autoimmune disorders, allowing for a more holistic management.},
DOI = {10.32604/cju.2026.078502}
}