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Impact of Circadian Desynchrony on Spermatogenesis: A Mini Review
Ferdinando Fusco1, Nicola Longo2, Marco De Sio3
1Urology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
Abstract:
The purpose of this mini review is to provide data about pre-clinical and clinical evidence exploring the impact of circadian desynchrony on spermatogenesis. Several lines of evidence exist demonstrating that disruption of circadian rhythms may interfere with male fertility. Experimental knock-out or knock-down of clock genes, physiologically involved in the regulation of circadian rhythms, are associated with impairments of fertility pathways in both animal and human models. Moreover, disruption of circadian rhythms, due to reduction of sleep duration and/or alteration of its architecture can negatively interfere in humans with circulating levels of male sexual hormones as well as with semen parameters. Unfortunately, current evidence remains low due to study heterogeneity.
Insights
Circadian desynchrony, or disrupted body clocks, negatively impacts male fertility and sperm production. Further research is needed to confirm these effects on male reproductive health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Chronobiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Circadian rhythms regulate physiological processes, including male reproduction.
- Disruptions in circadian rhythms are increasingly linked to health issues.
- Male fertility involves complex hormonal and cellular pathways influenced by time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pre-clinical and clinical evidence on circadian desynchrony's effects on spermatogenesis.
- To consolidate current understanding of how disrupted biological rhythms impact male fertility.
- To identify gaps in the research regarding circadian rhythm disruption and male reproductive health.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental studies (gene knock-out/knock-down) in animal and human models.
- Analysis of clinical data on sleep disruption and its effects on male reproductive parameters.
- Synthesis of evidence linking circadian rhythm alterations to hormonal and semen quality changes.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests circadian rhythm disruption impairs fertility pathways.
- Genetic manipulation of clock genes affects male fertility in experimental models.
- Reduced sleep duration and altered sleep architecture negatively impact male hormones and semen parameters in humans.
Conclusions:
- Circadian desynchrony poses a significant threat to male reproductive health.
- Further high-quality research is necessary to overcome study heterogeneity and confirm findings.
- Understanding circadian influences is crucial for addressing male infertility.
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