Fig. 3
From: Age-related testosterone decline: mechanisms and intervention strategies
Testicular Microenvironment and Age-related Changes. The testicular microenvironment consists of peritubular myoid cells, macrophages, Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, vasculature, and their secreted cytokines. Aging significantly impacts the testicular microenvironment. It is characterized by an increased population of macrophages, particularly those exhibiting a pro-inflammatory phenotype. This deterioration of the testicular microenvironment adversely affects other cell types. Sertoli cells show a decrease in both quantity and metabolic capabilities, alongside degeneration of tight junctions. Additionally, Leydig cells experience a decline in both number and function. Created in BioRender.com