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

VernacularTitle:精索静脉曲张相关生殖功能障碍与内质网应激研究进展
Author: Gangqin LI ¹ ; Yun CHEN
Author Information

1. 南京中医药大学附属无锡医院男科,江苏无锡 214071
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: varicocele; endoplasmic reticulum stress; reproductive function
From: National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(11):1032-1037
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: 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 ana-lyzing the results of existing studies,it provides references for in-depth exploration of the mechanism of ERS in VC-induced re-productive disorders and the development of precise treatment plans.