PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
Orexins A (OXA) and B (OXB) and their specific receptors, receptor 1 (OX1R) and 2 (OX2R) for orexins, are hypothalamic peptides involved in orchestrating several functions in the central nervous system and peripheral organs, including sleep, excitement, nutrition, reward, circadian rhythm, anxiety, cognition, and reproduction. The aim of this narrative review is, in particular, to speculate the role of orexins in the male genital tract of animal species and human beings. The experimental evidence collected in recent years assumed that in the testes of the animal species here described, orexins are directly involved in steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis regulation. In the epididymis, these peptides are locally synthesized, thus suggesting their role governing the fertilizing capability of the immature male gamete. In addition to playing a physiological role, orexins are involved in numerous inflammatory and/or neoplastic pathologies too. The expression of the orexinergic system in prostate cancer suggests that they might play a potential therapeutic function. Overall, the future directions of this literature review allow us to hypothesize a role of the orexinergic complex not only as a marker for the diagnosis of certain tumors affecting the male genital tract but also for the treatment of hypo/infertility condition.
摘要：
OrexinsA(OXA)和B(OXB)及其特异性受体,食欲素的受体1（OX1R）和2（OX2R），下丘脑肽参与协调中枢神经系统和外周器官的多种功能，包括睡眠,兴奋,营养,奖励,昼夜节律,焦虑,认知，和繁殖。这篇叙述性评论的目的是，特别是,推测食欲素在动物物种和人类男性生殖道中的作用。近年来收集的实验证据假设在这里描述的动物物种的睾丸中，食欲素直接参与类固醇生成和精子发生调节。在附睾,这些肽是局部合成的，因此表明它们在调节未成熟雄配子受精能力方面的作用。除了起到生理作用,食欲素也涉及许多炎症和/或肿瘤病理。前列腺癌中食欲素系统的表达表明它们可能发挥潜在的治疗功能。总的来说,本文献综述的未来方向使我们能够假设食欲素复合物的作用不仅是诊断影响男性生殖道的某些肿瘤的标志物，而且还用于治疗低/不育症。
