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Gut-testis axis: how microbiota influence male reproductive health
Ruiyang Hu1, Jingxing Wu2, Nianben Chen2
1Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
Abstract:
The intestinal flora forms a complex ecosystem that interacts with the host, influencing health and fitness through mechanisms that connect with distant organs like the brain, liver, muscles, and testes. The gut microbiota plays a vital role in regulating androgen production and metabolism, and can cross the blood-testis barrier to influence spermatogenesis. This review highlights the significance of the gut-testis axis in male reproductive and sexual health, based on extensive studies exploring how gut microbes impact testicular function. Gaining this understanding deepens our knowledge of the gut-testis axis and its role in male reproductive health.
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