Lifestyle, metabolic disorders and male hypogonadism - A one-way ticket?

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2020 Oct 1:516:110945. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110945. Epub 2020 Jul 22.

Abstract

Hypogonadism is more frequent among men with common metabolic diseases, notably obesity and type 2 diabetes. Indeed, endocrine disruption caused by metabolic diseases can trigger the onset of hypogonadism, although the underlying molecular mechanisms are not entirely understood. Metabolic diseases are closely related to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as dietary habits and sedentarism. Therefore, hypogonadism is part of a pathological triad gathering unhealthy lifestyle, metabolic disease and genetic background. Additionally, hypogonadism harbors the potential to aggravate underlying metabolic disorders, further sustaining the mechanisms leading to disease. To what extent does lifestyle intervention in men suffering from these metabolic disorders can prevent, improve or reverse hypogonadism, is still controversial. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that the metabolic status of the father is related to the risk of inter and transgenerational inheritance of hypogonadism. In this review, we will address the proposed mechanisms of disease, as well as currently available interventions for hypogonadism.

Keywords: Hypogonadism; Lifestyle; Lifestyle intervention; Metabolic disorder; Transgenerational effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Eunuchism / etiology*
  • Eunuchism / pathology
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Metabolic Diseases / complications*