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Galectin-1 and galectin-3 in male reproduction - impact in health and disease

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Title: Galectin-1 and galectin-3 in male reproduction - impact in health and disease
Authors: Monika Fijak, Hiba Hasan, Andreas Meinhardt
Source: Semin Immunopathol
Publisher Information: Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Subject Terms: Male, Epididymis, Galectin 3/metabolism [MeSH], Galectin-1, Humans [MeSH], Immune privilege, Testis, Animals [MeSH], Galectin-3, Spermatozoa/metabolism [MeSH], Male [MeSH], Testis/metabolism [MeSH], Galectin 1/metabolism [MeSH], Review, Reproduction [MeSH], Epididymis/metabolism [MeSH], Spermatogenesis [MeSH], Galectin 1, Galectin 3, Reproduction, Humans, Animals, Spermatogenesis, Spermatozoa
Description: The formation and differentiation of mature, motile male germ cells, which can fertilize the egg and ensure successful implantation and development of a healthy embryo, are essential functions of the testis and epididymis. Spermatogenesis is a complex, multistep process that results in the formation of motile haploid gametes, requiring an immunoregulatory environment to maintain tolerance to developing neo-antigens. Different cell types (Sertoli cells, macrophages), immunoregulatory factors and tolerance mechanisms are involved. In this context, possible effects of galectins on the immunoregulatory functions and fertilization ability of male germ cells are postulated. Galectins are pleiotropic lectins involved in the homeostasis, modulation of immune responses and pathological processes. Despite the well-recognized role of galectins in female reproduction, the functions of galectins in the male reproductive organs, particularly the testis and epididymis, remain largely unexplored. Among the galectins, galectin-1 and galectin-3 are the best-studied in these organs. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the cellular expression and the roles of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in testis and epididymis and discusses their functions in spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, epididymal maturation of spermatozoa and inflammatory response.
Document Type: Article
Other literature type
Language: English
ISSN: 1863-2300
1863-2297
DOI: 10.1007/s00281-024-01032-7
Access URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39792160
https://repository.publisso.de/resource/frl:6524580
Rights: CC BY
Accession Number: edsair.doi.dedup.....fba86cfd48b1ea913d21c8f50c5b783c
Database: OpenAIRE
Description
Abstract:The formation and differentiation of mature, motile male germ cells, which can fertilize the egg and ensure successful implantation and development of a healthy embryo, are essential functions of the testis and epididymis. Spermatogenesis is a complex, multistep process that results in the formation of motile haploid gametes, requiring an immunoregulatory environment to maintain tolerance to developing neo-antigens. Different cell types (Sertoli cells, macrophages), immunoregulatory factors and tolerance mechanisms are involved. In this context, possible effects of galectins on the immunoregulatory functions and fertilization ability of male germ cells are postulated. Galectins are pleiotropic lectins involved in the homeostasis, modulation of immune responses and pathological processes. Despite the well-recognized role of galectins in female reproduction, the functions of galectins in the male reproductive organs, particularly the testis and epididymis, remain largely unexplored. Among the galectins, galectin-1 and galectin-3 are the best-studied in these organs. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the cellular expression and the roles of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in testis and epididymis and discusses their functions in spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, epididymal maturation of spermatozoa and inflammatory response.
ISSN:18632300
18632297
DOI:10.1007/s00281-024-01032-7