Male fertility as an integral reflection of metabolic, endocrine, and musculoskeletal health
摘要
Male fertility is increasingly recognized as a reflection of systemic health, closely linked to endocrine, metabolic, and musculoskeletal functions. Accumulating evidence indicates that obesity, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and sarcopenia adversely affect reproductive health through hormonal imbalance, oxidative stress, and impaired cellular homeostasis. Testosterone deficiency, reduced muscle strength, and altered myokine signaling contribute synergistically to compromised spermatogenesis and declining semen quality. This review examines the interplay between male reproductive health and musculoskeletal integrity, emphasizing the pathophysiological roles of metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, endocrine disfunction, and sarcopenia. Literature searches were conducted via Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) to identify studies related to male fertility, sarcopenia, muscle strength, physical activity, rehabilitation, testosterone, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Particular attention is given to the emerging role of sarcopenia and physical performance as determinants of reproductive outcomes, including their implications for rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Resistance exercise, structured physical activity, nutritional optimization, and lifestyle modifications demonstrate promising effects on hormonal regulation, inflammatory status, and reproductive function. Available evidence supports a multidisciplinary framework in which male fertility is interpreted within the broader context of systemic and functional health. Integrating reproductive evaluation with metabolic and musculoskeletal assessment may improve early risk stratification and facilitate more targeted therapeutic strategies.