Protein kinase inhibitors affect spermatogenic functions and blood testis barrier remodelling: A scoping review

Abstract

Objective: To identify the role of protein kinase in male reproduction in animal models and human spermatogenic function. Methods: This study assessed the protein kinase of male reproduction in animal models and human using different reviewed paper indexed in PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Sage Journals, and Google Scholar. Data were charted based on author, year of publication published between 1893 and 2023, country, purpose, data collection, key findings, and research focus/domain. Results: The MAPK pathway contributed to the growth, maturation, and functionality of male germ cells. We also found out that certain influencing factors categorized into hormonal/non hormonal factors and chemotoxicant, as well as heat stress expressed an inhibitory mechanism on protein kinase, thus affecting spermatogenic functions and maintenance/remodeling of the blood testis barrier, as well as the physiology of the Sertoli cells necessary for nutritional support of spermatogenesis. However, activating protein kinases pathway like the mTOR pathway as well as increased expression of peroxiredoxin-4 and L-carnitine mediated protein kinases may be useful for treating or managing male reproductive dysfunction. Conclusions: Protein kinase plays an important role in spermatogenic functions and blood testis remodeling in animal and human. Its assessment provides essential information that can guide treatment strategies aimed at improving male reproductive potential. Taken together, these recent advances highlight a future therapeutic intervention in assessing male reproductive potential. It might also be possible to look at potential targets for male contraceptives in the MAPK pathway.