Male Reproduction Health

The global scenario reveals that the recent trend of deterioration of male fertility parameters
parallels the growing prevalence of obesity. Over the last few decades, substantial research
evidence has surfaced that aid understanding of the mechanisms by which body energy
homeostasis is associated with reproductive functions. In this regard, leptin, an adipocytederived hormone, finds utmost relevance for its versatile physiological functions
especially in metabolism as well as in the regulation of reproductive functions. Since
leptin receptors are found to be highly expressed in several structures, both centrally and
peripherally, it has been hypothesized that leptin may affect reproductive functions either
via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis or may also directly act upon gonadal tissues.
Its roles, particularly during puberty and reproduction, are well documented. However,
the exact mechanisms of leptin actions upon the gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons
to induce physiological changes of puberty and reproduction need further research.
Leptin is proven as an essential hormone required for normal reproductive functions, but
when leptin levels exceed the physiological limit, it may adversely affect the testicular
processes. Leptin can serve as a potential link between obesity and male infertility, as
it has been shown that poor male reproductive parameters such as low sperm count,
testicular oxidative stress, high rate of morphological abnormalities in sperm, positively
correlate with increased levels of leptin in obese men. Therefore, the present review article
aims to provide a better understanding of the updated views on the functions of leptin and
mechanisms of leptin actions on male reproduction.

He has a PhD in male reproductive physiology from the University of Calcutta, India and over 24 peer reviewed publications in PubMed. He is a collaborating scientist with the American Center for Reproductive Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. KEY MESSAGE Withania sominifera roots improve semen quality by increasing sperm count and motility, regulating reproductive hormone levels and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Proposed mechanisms underlying these effects are direct alleviation of oxidative stress and enhancement of hormonal balance via the gamma-aminobutyric acid-like mimetic pathway. Withania sominifera could potentially supplement routine treatment of male infertility. A B S T R A C T To manage male infertility caused by hormonal imbalance, infections and other predicaments, multifarious treatment strategies are emerging worldwide. Contemporary treatments, such as assisted reproductive techniques, are costly with low success rates of only 10–30%; however, herbal remedies are gaining more attention as an alternative or supplementary therapeutic modality for male infertility. The beneficial effects induced by oral intake of the roots of a small evergreen shrub, Withania sominifera (Ashwagandha) on semen quality of infertile men have previously been studied. Oral intake of Ashwagandha roots has been found to inhibit lipid peroxidation, improve sperm count and motility, and regulate reproductive hormone levels. The molecular mechanisms of these effects, however, are yet to be unveiled.