Research progress on the impact of chronic epididymitis on male reproductive function and its related mechanisms
10.3760/cma.j.cn101441-20250216-00068
- VernacularTitle:慢性附睾炎对男性生殖功能的影响及相关机制研究进展
- Author:
Mingwei ZHAN
1
;
Junjie WU
;
Muhua ZHOU
;
Binbin ZHAO
;
Pengfei LIU
;
Yi YU
;
Xuejun SHANG
Author Information
1. 南京大学医学院附属金陵医院泌尿外科，南京 210002
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Epididymitis;
Infertility, male;
Signaling pathways;
Oxidative stress;
Fibrosis
- From:
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception
2025;45(6):558-563
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Chronic epididymitis (CE) is a long-standing inflammatory condition of the epididymis caused by unresolved acute infections, chronic infections, medication use, or other factors. Clinically, it is characterized by persistent dull pain or a dragging sensation in one or both sides of the scrotum. The disease course typically exceeds three months and is marked by insidious onset and recurrent episodes. Current studies suggest that CE may disrupt the epididymal microenvironment through multiple pathological processes, including local inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, fibrotic remodeling, and autophagy. These alterations impair sperm maturation, transport, and capacitation, thereby contributing to male reproductive dysfunction and infertility. This review summarizes the major etiologies and pathophysiological characteristics of CE and its impact on male reproductive function. It focuses on the roles of inflammatory cytokines and related signaling pathways, oxidative stress mechanisms, and fibrotic progression in the pathogenesis of CE. Moreover, it explores targeted therapeutic strategies based on these mechanisms, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for identifying key molecular targets and signaling pathways involved in CE-induced male reproductive impairment.
