Research Progress on the Relationship between Obesity-Inflammation-Aromatase Axis and Male Infertility

Aromatase is a key enzyme in the transformation of androgen into estrogen. Its high expression will destroy the hormonal balance in the male body, and the excessive transformation of androgen into estrogen in the body will further damage the spermatogenic function of the testis, affect the normal development of the sperm, and cause spermatogenic disturbance. Adipose tissue has a high expression of aromatase and shows high enzymatic activity and ability to convert estrogen. Adipose tissue is the most estrogen-producing nongonadal tissue in the body because of its large size, accounting for about 20% of the body mass in healthy adults. PPAR gamma is recognized as the key adipose differentiation in the transcriptional regulation of the transcription factor. In the process of adipocyte differentiation, PPAR gamma regulate the expression of aromatase. The increase of aromatase is associated with the inflammatory response in adipose tissue caused by obesity. After obesity, the increase of proinflammatory factors in adipocytes will lead to enhanced transcription of the CYP19 gene encoding aromatase in adipocytes, which in turn will lead to increased expression of aromatase in adipocytes. This article reviews the regulation of male sterility from the angle of the obesity-inflammation-aromatase axis.

Automated summary

Aromatase plays a crucial role in hormone balance and testicular function, with overexpression potentially leading to testicular dysfunction. Adipose tissue is the primary source of estrogen production in the body, with its high expression of aromatase being influenced by inflammation caused by obesity. There is a complex regulatory relationship between obesity, inflammation, and aromatase.