The Effect of Aromatase on the Reproductive Function of Obese Males.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing mechanisms and literature without systematic search methodology or new primary data
PubMed 28679145 · doi:10.1055/s-0043-107835
What was done
This narrative review synthesized literature on the role of aromatase in male reproductive function, detailing how elevated body fat mass increases aromatase expression, alters androgen-to-estrogen ratios, and affects testicular cell function and spermatogenesis in obese males. It also examined the reported rationale for aromatase inhibitors in obesity-associated hypogonadism.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative metrics or numerical findings. It describes that aromatase expression correlates with fat mass, increasing estrogen production and lowering testosterone levels. Testicular somatic and germ cells express aromatase (except peritubular myoid cells), with local estrogen elevation primarily inhibiting spermatogenesis and testosterone synthesis, despite a noted role in sperm motility. The abstract notes that aromatase inhibitors can normalize sex hormone profiles and improve semen parameters.
Why it matters
It outlines the mechanistic rationale linking excess adipose tissue and aromatase overactivity to male reproductive dysfunction, highlighting aromatase inhibition as a potential treatment target for obesity-associated infertility.
Limits
As a narrative review, it lacks systematic search criteria, quality assessment of cited studies, and quantitative synthesis. The abstract provides no sample sizes, effect estimates, or primary study counts, and explicitly acknowledges contradictory findings across existing studies regarding testicular aromatase effects.
Cited by
- supports Aromatase in adipose tissue converts testosterone into estrogen, lowering circulating testosterone levels in obesity.