The prostate gland is the major male reproductive gland involved in male fertility. In this Review, the authors discuss the reproductive function of the prostate gland, summarizing physiological and molecular mechanisms that connect prostate homeostasis with male fertility and describing how these mechanisms are associated with prostatic diseases. They highlight the central role of Zn2+and citrate in regulating activities of the prostate epithelium, discuss the influence of bacteria-related prostate inflammation on male fertility, and note the potential role of prostatic inflammation in the development of prostatic hyperplastic growth and prostate carcinogenesis.
- Paolo Verze
- Tommaso Cai
- Stefano Lorenzetti