The Various Mechanisms by Which Exercise-Induced Fatigue (EIF) Affects Spermatogenesis Through Testosterone

Currently, a great number of researches have proven that the EIF triggered by inappropriate and excessive exercise will affect normal function of the male reproductive system, resulting in various disorders or increasing disease risks. Reproductive system and motor system are highly correlated. Now, it is mainly considered that the testicular cell is modulated via hypothalamus-hypophysis-gonad(HPG) axis in the process of exercise, which involves the whole male reproductive system and affects spermatogenesis. However, there are many mechanisms leading to EIF, including hormonal levels, lactic acid accumulation, oxidative stress, calcium ion disorder, and inflammatory responses. These mechanisms interact with each other and can directly or indirectly affect spermatogenesis through testosterone hormones in various ways, with the majority having a negative impact. This ultimately leads to dysfunction of spermatogenesis and decreased sperm quality in the male reproductive system under the state of EIF. Therefore, this article reviews various theoretical mechanisms leading to EIF and their intervention methods on spermatogenesis through testosterone hormones, explaining the correlation between EIF and spermatogenesis from the perspective of endocrine regulation, providing new directions for the prevention and treatment of related symptoms.