Wang Wang, Wang Qikai, Wang Zilin, Shao Junyan, Jiang Xiaocui, Liu Qi, Chen Shuhui, Zhu Yangyang, Gao Mengjie, Chen Siyi, Cao Jigang, Xiao Min
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Male infertility, a significant global public health challenge, arises from multifactorial interactions involving genetic, metabolic, and psychological factors. While psychological stress (depression/anxiety/stress, DAS) is increasingly linked to impaired sperm quality, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This cross-sectional study investigates mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming via the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK)-pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) axis under psychological stress, exploring multidimensional impacts on semen quality.Approved by three tertiary hospitals in Central China, 557 participants were categorized into DAS and non-DAS groups based on DASS-21 scores, with clinical histories and semen samples collected. Targeted metabolomics (ATP/pyruvate/lactate), lipidomics (free fatty acids), and RT-qPCR (PDK1-4, PDH mRNA) were performed. Results revealed significantly reduced sperm motility in the DAS group (p < 0.01). Mechanistically, DAS upregulated PDK2/PDK4 expression and suppressed PDH expression, driving metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study provides the first evidence that psychological stress impairs sperm motility via PDK-PDC axis dysregulation, offering novel mechanistic insights and potential therapeutic targets for male infertility.
期刊介绍:
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology publishes and disseminates high-quality results from excellent research in the reproductive sciences.
The journal publishes on topics covering gametogenesis, fertilization, early embryonic development, embryo-uterus interaction, reproductive development, pregnancy, uterine biology, endocrinology of reproduction, control of reproduction, reproductive immunology, neuroendocrinology, and veterinary and human reproductive medicine, including all vertebrate species.