Relevance of lipid homeostasis to male infertility

Lipid homeostasis is vital for maintaining membrane dynamics, energy storage, and overall cellular function, influencing a myriad of physiological processes, including reproductive health. Although often overlooked, disruptions in lipid metabolism are increasingly linked to impaired male fertility. A significant number of male infertility cases considered to be idiopathic are now increasingly associated with elevated levels of seminal reactive oxygen species and subsequent sperm deoxyribonucleic acid damage. Through assisted reproductive technology, such cases are fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection or a sperm donor, without pursuing further targeted treatment. A better understanding of idiopathic male infertility is pivotal for successful conception and embryo health, which underscores the need for innovative strategies to address male infertility. This review emphasizes the significance of lipid homeostasis in male reproductive health and elaborates on how dyslipidemia manifests in testicular dysfunction. We discuss how lipidomics can serve as a powerful tool to identify lipid-based biomarkers for more effective diagnosis and management of male infertility.