Insulin‑like growth factor 2 in spermatogenesis dysfunction (Review).

Abstract

Spermatogenesis dysfunction is characterized by abnormal morphology, destruction, atrophy of seminiferous tubules, blocked differentiation of spermatogenic cells, decreased sperm count and increased sperm abnormalities. Inflammation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress and obesity are important factors leading to spermatogenesis dysfunction. It has been demonstrated that insulin‑like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is closely related to the aforementioned factors. In the present review, the relationship between IGF2 and inflammation, oxidative stress, ER stress and obesity was investigated, providing theoretical and experimental evidence on the role of IGF2 in the prevention and treatment of spermatogenesis dysfunction of male infertility.