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Citation
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HERO ID
7402828
Reference Type
Journal Article
Subtype
Review
Title
Effects of aging on the male reproductive system
Author(s)
Gunes, S; Hekim, GN; Arslan, MA; Asci, R
Year
2016
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
ISSN:
1058-0468
EISSN:
1573-7330
Volume
33
Issue
4
Page Numbers
441-454
Language
English
PMID
26867640
DOI
10.1007/s10815-016-0663-y
Abstract
The study aims to discuss the effects of aging on the male reproductive system. A systematic review was performed using PubMed from 1980 to 2014. Aging is a natural process comprising of irreversible changes due to a myriad of endogenous and environmental factors at the level of all organs and systems. In modern life, as more couples choose to postpone having a child due to various socioeconomic reasons, research for understanding the effects of aging on the reproductive system has gained an increased importance. Paternal aging also causes genetic and epigenetic changes in spermatozoa, which impair male reproductive functions through their adverse effects on sperm quality and count as, well as, on sexual organs and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Hormone production, spermatogenesis, and testes undergo changes as a man ages. These small changes lead to decrease in both the quality and quantity of spermatozoa. The offspring of older fathers show high prevalence of genetic abnormalities, childhood cancers, and several neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition, the latest advances in assisted reproductive techniques give older men a chance to have a child even with poor semen parameters. Further studies should investigate the onset of gonadal senesce and its effects on aging men.
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