Interplay between Gut-Testis Axis Communication in Male Reproduction

The gut-testis axis represents an emerging paradigm in male reproductive biology, highlighting the bidirectional communication between the intestinal microbiome and testicular function. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence on the mechanisms linking gut dysbiosis to male reproductive disorders and explores therapeutic interventions targeting this axis. The gut microbiota influences testicular physiology through multiple pathways, including endocrine signaling, immune modulation, metabolic communication via short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), oxidative stress regulation, and neuroendocrine crosstalk. Dysbiosis has been associated with male infertility, hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction, metabolic syndrome-related reproductive impairment, and testicular inflammation. Therapeutic strategies, including probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, dietary modifications, role of diet and lifestyle in the gut- testis axis, fecal microbiota transplantation, and phytochemicals show promise in restoring gut microbial balance and improving reproductive outcomes. This review examines the composition and functions of gut microbiota, mechanisms of gut-testis communication, factors influence in gut microbiota, the impact of dysbiosis on reproductive health, lifestyle influences, and future directions for precision microbiome medicine in andrology.