Lipophagy: exploring its association with male reproductive system disorders and investigating potential mechanisms.

Abstract

Background: Lipid metabolism, one of the three major metabolic processes, plays a crucial role in male fertility, particularly when lipid homeostasis is disrupted. Lipid droplets (LDs), cellular organelles that store lipids primarily in the form of triglycerides and cholesterol esters, serve as central hubs in lipid metabolism.The degradation of LDs is regulated by lipases and lipophagy.

Objective:: This review explores the various forms of lipophagy, its molecular mechanisms, and its critical role in male fertility. Specifically, it examines the association between lipophagy and male infertility, sexual dysfunction, and reproductive cancers.

Methods:: This review synthesizes current research on the molecular pathways regulating lipophagy, focusing on its impact on male reproductive health.

Results:: Lipophagy is essential for maintaining lipid homeostasis in male reproductive tissues. Dysfunction of lipophagy is associated with impaired sperm function, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and an increased risk of reproductive cancers in men.

Conclusion:: Lipophagy plays a pivotal role in regulating lipid metabolism and maintaining male fertility. It may serve as a potential therapeutic target for treating male reproductive disorders.