Exploring the Relationship Between Vitamin D Levels and Male Fertility. Literature Review

<jats:p>Vitamin D is considered as a hormone that receives increased attention not only in the context of bone health, but also in relation to the male reproductive system. Studies show that vitamin D plays an important role in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. To date, numerous studies and clinical trials are underway that reveal a significant and clear relationship between vitamin D levels and male infertility, as well as indicators of motility, morphology, and overall sperm quality. The purpose of this review is to provide a description of possible mechanisms linking vitamin D deficiency to male infertility. In particular, the role of vitamin D in steroidogenesis, regulation of oxidative stress, and expression of key reproductive genes is being considered. For this review, information was obtained from the Pubmed, Google Scholar, and eLibrary databases. The review includes primary studies (both descriptive and analytical), secondary studies (including meta-analyses and systematic reviews), methodological manuals, clinical guidelines, as well as full-text publications in Russian and English published over the past 10 years. There is evidence that the male reproductive system contains vitamin D receptors and enzymes necessary for its metabolism, affecting the maturation and function of sperm cells. Clinical data further highlight the higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among infertile men compared to fertile men. Understanding this relationship may lead to new approaches to the treatment of male infertility through targeted hormone and dietary therapy. Keywords: steroid hormone, spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, oxidative stress, vitamin D.</jats:p>