Interplay Between Metabolic Disorders and Male Reproductive Health

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifaceted disorder characterized by a constellation of metabolic abnormalities, including central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance, all of which exert detrimental effects on overall health. The global prevalence of MetS has increased dramatically in recent decades, paralleling a decline in birth rates, fertility potential, and sexual health in men. This growing overlap has intensified interest in understanding the relationship between metabolic health and male reproductive function.

Accumulating evidence indicates that MetS adversely affects male fertility through multiple pathophysiological pathways. Obesity disrupts endocrine balance by reducing testosterone levels, increasing estrogen production, and impairing hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis signaling. Dyslipidemia alters sperm membrane composition and promotes oxidative stress, while insulin resistance and poor glycemic control impair mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in sperm cells. Hypertension further contributes by inducing vascular dysfunction and compromised testicular perfusion. Together, these metabolic disturbances lead to reduced sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity.

Importantly, the risk factors underlying MetS and its reproductive consequences are largely modifiable. Lifestyle interventions, including weight management, physical activity, dietary modification, and metabolic control, remain the most effective strategies to mitigate MetS-associated reproductive dysfunction.

The goal of this project is to elucidate the mechanistic links between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and male reproductive dysfunction, with a particular focus on how metabolic disturbances impair spermatogenesis and sexual health. Specifically, the project aims to investigate how obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension disrupt endocrine balance, affecting sperm quality and fertility. The project will also explore the role of Sertoli cell metabolism, blood–testis barrier integrity, and the gut–testis axis in mediating MetS-associated reproductive abnormalities. By integrating metabolic, cellular, and microbiome perspectives, this research seeks to identify key molecular pathways and modifiable targets that could inform preventive and therapeutic strategies to preserve male fertility and improve reproductive health in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

The scope of this Research Topic encompasses original research articles and review papers that address key questions related to male reproductive dysfunction in the context of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Submissions should provide mechanistic insights, demonstrate strong experimental rigor, and highlight translational relevance to reproductive endocrinology. We welcome contributions focusing on, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Dysregulation of hormonal homeostasis and its impact on male reproductive function under metabolic disorders.
• Impact of metabolic dysregulation on erectile function.
• Roles of diabetes, insulin resistance, and adipocyte dysfunction in regulating genetic and molecular pathways that influence gametogenesis and spermatogenesis.
• Metabolic and insulin-mediated regulation of reproductive health and reproductive aging.
• Effects of extracellular vesicles associated with diabetes and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) on male fertility.
• Experimental and translational models for investigating infertility associated with metabolic disturbances.
• Development of biomarkers and identification of therapeutic targets for reproductive dysfunction in individuals with metabolic disorders.

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Obesity, MASLD, Diabetes, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Infertility

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.