Melatonin Modulation of Male Reproductive Health
Summary
Melatonin, the principal chronobiotic hormone produced by the pineal gland, exerts multifaceted control over male reproductive function through endocrine, paracrine and autocrine mechanisms. At the systemic level, it modulates the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, influencing gonadotrophin release and downstream testosterone production. Within the testis, melatonin binds to cell-surface receptors (MT1 and MT2) and nuclear retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors (RORα), directly affecting Leydig and Sertoli cell activity. Its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties safeguard germ cells against oxidative insults, preserve the integrity of the blood–testis barrier and attenuate apoptosis. Seasonal and circadian variations in melatonin secretion underlie reproductive rhythms in many species, while emerging evidence in humans highlights its potential to ameliorate toxin-induced damage, age-related decline and idiopathic infertility. Collectively, this body of work underscores melatonin’s role as both a physiological regulator and a candidate therapeutic agent for male reproductive disorders.
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Melatonin Modulation of Male Reproductive Health publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in melatonin modulation of male reproductive health across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Leydig cells: Interstitial testicular cells responsible for the synthesis and secretion of testosterone in response to luteinising hormone.
Sertoli cells: Somatic cells within seminiferous tubules that support germ cell development, form the blood–testis barrier and secrete regulatory factors.
Blood–testis barrier: A tight junction complex between Sertoli cells that creates a specialised microenvironment for germ cell maturation and protects against toxins.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules derived from oxygen metabolism that can damage lipids, proteins and DNA when in excess.
PI3K/AKT pathway: A key intracellular signalling cascade that regulates cell survival, growth and steroidogenesis in testicular cells.
MicroRNA (miRNA): Short, non-coding RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by targeting mRNA transcripts.
References
- Melatonin Inhibits Testosterone Synthesis in Rooster Leydig Cells by Targeting CXCL14 through miR-7481-3p. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- Protective effects of melatonin against the toxic effects of environmental pollutants and heavy metals on testicular tissue: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2023).
- Melatonin Ameliorates Diquat-Induced Testicular Toxicity via Reducing Oxidative Stress, Inhibiting Apoptosis, and Maintaining the Integrity of Blood-Testis Barrier in Mice. Toxics (2023).
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