A narrative review on the role of autophagy in male infertility-associated sperm abnormalities

Male infertility is one of the most prevalent disorders affecting the male reproductive system, with the majority of cases originating from sperm abnormalities. Autophagy, a highly conserved cellular process, plays critical roles in spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and functional maintenance. Aberrant autophagic activity is closely associated with various sperm abnormalities, including oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and azoospermia. In this narrative review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the role of autophagy in sperm abnormality-related male infertility, detailing the relationship between autophagic dysfunction and various sperm disorders. We compile and synthesize findings from major clinical studies, basic science research, and relevant reviews to highlight the role of autophagy and its therapeutic potential. These insights may contribute to advancing the clinical management of male infertility through the identification of novel therapeutic targets related to autophagic regulation.