[Varicocele-associated reproductive dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress： Progress in research]

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) plays a crucial role in determining the fate and function of cells, and its functional imbalance is closely related to the occurrence and development of various diseases. Varicocele (VC), a common cause of male infertility, leads to an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing oxidative stress damage and apoptosis of germ cells, which is the core mechanism of VC-induced infertility. This disease is also closely related to ERS. This article reviews the research progress of ERS in VC-related reproductive dysfunction, specifically covering the molecular mechanisms of ERS, the damage to testicular and epididymal reproductive function caused by ERS, the interaction between ERS and the functions of mitochondria and other organelles, as well as the research progress of related intervention strategies. By analyzing the results of existing studies, it provides references for in-depth exploration of the mechanism of ERS in VC-induced reproductive disorders and the development of precise treatment plans.