Mitochondrial Dynamics as Potential Modulators of Hormonal Therapy Effectiveness in Males

Abstract

Worldwide the incidence of andrological diseases is rising every year and, together with it, also the interest in them is increasing due to their strict association with disorders of the reproductive system, including impairment of male fertility, alterations of male hormones production, and/or sexual function. Prevention and early diagnosis of andrological dysfunctions have long been neglected, with the consequent increase in the incidence and prevalence of diseases otherwise easy to prevent and treat if diagnosed early. In this review, we report the latest evidence of the effect of andrological alterations on fertility potential in both young and adult patients, with a focus on the link between gonadotropins’ mechanism of action and mitochondria. Indeed, mitochondria are highly dynamic cellular organelles that undergo rapid morphological adaptations, conditioning a multitude of aspects, including their size, shape, number, transport, cellular distribution, and, consequently, their function. Since the first step of steroidogenesis takes place in these organelles, we consider that mitochondria dynamics might have a possible role in a plethora of signaling cascades, including testosterone production. In addition, we also hypothesize a central role of mitochondria fission boost on the decreased response to the commonly administrated hormonal therapy used to treat urological disease in pediatric and adolescent patients as well as infertile adults.

Fertility Preservation in Pediatric Age: Future Perspective among Andrological Diseases

“…We have studied varicocele in all molecular and biological aspects, and still many studies are necessary. However, even today, despite surgery, some patients have alterations in the quality of seminal fluid and require medically-assisted procreation as adults [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

“…In the lab, we demonstrated how many testicular pathologies affect both testicular vascularity and hormone control. In these patients, offering both preservation of testicular tissue and a clinical path until the control of seminal fluid is crucial to exclude future fertility problems [ 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

“…Since January 2022, 101 testicular tissues have been cryopreserved, including three samples for cancer disease in pre-pubescent patients. Most patients suffered from cryptorchidism, testicular torsion, varicocele, and DSD (differences of sex development) [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”