Epididymal White Adipose Tissue: Endocrine Backbone of Spermatogonial Stem Cells Maintenance

White adipose tissue as the largest endocrine tissue of humans plays important roles in regulations of metabolic homeostasis due to secretion of numerous bioactive compounds [1,2]. In spite of well documentation in human females, the precise role of gonadal white adipose tissue in males reproductive functions including androgenesis and spermatogenesis is poorly understood [3,4]. Recently, experimental evidence revealed that epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT) as a dynamic, endocrine repro-supporter structure regulates spermatogenesis through local nutritive and/ or trophic factors production [5,6]. Confirming this fact, previous reports have shown that stimulation of epididymal fat pad androgen receptors lead to the increased accumulation of long- chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, suggesting the involvement of long-chain polyunsaturated fats in local functions of the epididymal adipose tissue [7]. Further, it has been suggested that epididymal fat pad can affect ipsilateral testis through a direct veno-arterial transfer [5]. Moreover, since adipocytes have the ability to express androgen receptors, androgens, particularly testosterone, have been attributed to local actions of the epididymal fat mass [8].

Adipose Tissue, Spermatogonial Stem Cell, Fertility