Abstract
Hormones and cytokines are known to regulate cellular functions in the testes. These biomolecules induce a broad spectrum of effects on various level of spermatogenesis, and among them is the modulation of cell junction restructuring between Sertoli cells and germ cells in the seminiferous epithelium. Cytokines and androgens are closely related, and both correct testicular development and the maintenance of spermatogenesis depend on their function. Cytokines also play a crucial role in the immune testicular system, activating and directing leucocytes across the endothelial barrier to the inflammatory site, as well as in increasing their adhesion to the vascular wall. The purpose of this review is to revise the most recent findings on molecular mechanisms that play a key role in male sexual function, focusing on three specific molecular patterns, namely, cytokines, miRNAs, and endothelial progenitor cells. Numerous reports on the interactions between the immune and endocrine systems can be found in the literature. However, there is not yet a multi-approach review of the literature underlying the role between molecular patterns and testicular and sexual function.
Highlights
Male sexual function, from fertility to erectile function, requires a pattern of biochemical mechanisms connected to each other
It is recognized that cytokines from non-immune cells are essential for normal adult testicular functions [2]
We provide new insights by discussing and comparing the most recent literature regarding the molecular pathways involved in male sexual function
Summary
From fertility to erectile function, requires a pattern of biochemical mechanisms connected to each other. Male fertility depends on the efficiency of a successful perpetuation of spermatogenesis, which is a highly organized process of germ cell differentiation in the seminiferous tubules. Recent research findings suggest that the immune cell-associated cytokines are essential for fertility and to maintain testicular homeostasis. It is recognized that cytokines from non-immune cells are essential for normal adult testicular functions [2]. The process of spermatogenesis is highly dependent on autocrine and paracrine communication among testicular cell types and the disruption of the androgen receptor (AR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Androgens are able to determine the expression of the male phenotype, including the outward development of secondary sex characteristics as well as the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis [3]. We provide new insights by discussing and comparing the most recent literature regarding the molecular pathways involved in male sexual function
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