08 January 2024 | Adeyemi F. Odetayo, Roland E. Akhigbe, Grace E. Bassey, Moses A. Hamed, and Luqman A. Olayaki
This study explores the impact of stress on male fertility, focusing on the role of gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH). Stress is associated with various physiological and psychological changes that can disrupt reproductive functions. GnIH, a neuropeptide hormone, plays a key role in regulating reproductive functions by inhibiting the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), thereby suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. It also inhibits the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3), and reduces the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These effects can impair spermatogenesis, reduce testosterone production, and negatively affect sperm quality and function. Additionally, GnIH inhibits kisspeptin release, which is essential for the regulation of GnRH and the onset of puberty. Chronic stress increases GnIH secretion, which can lead to reduced fertility. The study highlights the importance of GnIH in stress-induced male infertility and suggests that suppressing GnIH under stressful conditions may be a beneficial prophylactic and/or therapeutic strategy. The research provides a comprehensive review of the mechanisms by which stress affects male fertility through the action of GnIH.This study explores the impact of stress on male fertility, focusing on the role of gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH). Stress is associated with various physiological and psychological changes that can disrupt reproductive functions. GnIH, a neuropeptide hormone, plays a key role in regulating reproductive functions by inhibiting the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), thereby suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. It also inhibits the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3), and reduces the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These effects can impair spermatogenesis, reduce testosterone production, and negatively affect sperm quality and function. Additionally, GnIH inhibits kisspeptin release, which is essential for the regulation of GnRH and the onset of puberty. Chronic stress increases GnIH secretion, which can lead to reduced fertility. The study highlights the importance of GnIH in stress-induced male infertility and suggests that suppressing GnIH under stressful conditions may be a beneficial prophylactic and/or therapeutic strategy. The research provides a comprehensive review of the mechanisms by which stress affects male fertility through the action of GnIH.