Sayed Tahseen S, Balasinor Nafisa H, Nishi Kumari
Department of Biotechnology, R.D. and S.H. National College and S.W.A Science College, Mumbai 400050, India.
Neuroendocrinology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India.
Life Sci. 2021 Dec 1;286:120035. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120035. Epub 2021 Oct 9.
Endocannabinoid system (ECS) is known for its modulatory role in numerous physiological processes in the body. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are endogenous lipid molecules which function both centrally and peripherally. The ECS is best studied in the central nervous system (CNS), immune system as well as in the metabolic system. The role of ECS in male reproductive system is emerging and the presence of a complete enzymatic machinery to synthesize and metabolize eCBs has been demonstrated in male reproductive tract. Endocannabinoid concentrations and alterations in their levels have been reported to affect the functioning of spermatozoa. A dysfunctional ECS has also been linked to the development of prostate cancer, the leading cause of cancer related mortality among male population. This review is an attempt to provide an insight into the significant role of endocannabinoids in male reproduction and further summarize recent findings that demonstrate the manner in which the endocannabinoid system impacts male sexual behavior and fertility.
内源性大麻素系统（ECS）因其在人体众多生理过程中的调节作用而闻名。内源性大麻素（eCBs）是内源性脂质分子，在中枢和外周均发挥作用。ECS在中枢神经系统（CNS）、免疫系统以及代谢系统中得到了最好的研究。ECS在男性生殖系统中的作用正在显现，并且已经在男性生殖道中证明了存在完整的合成和代谢eCBs的酶机制。据报道，内源性大麻素浓度及其水平的改变会影响精子的功能。功能失调的ECS也与前列腺癌的发生有关，前列腺癌是男性人群中癌症相关死亡的主要原因。本综述旨在深入探讨内源性大麻素在男性生殖中的重要作用，并进一步总结最近的研究结果，这些结果表明了内源性大麻素系统影响男性性行为和生育能力的方式。
