2026/01/01 by Huiyu Xu, Hongxian Zhang, Rui Yang +9 · 2 voices · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Sexual Differentiation and Disorders #Hormonal and reproductive studies #Ovarian function and disorders
paper · doi:10.59717/j.xinn-nutri.2026.100004
<sec><p>Androgens, historically regarded as male sex hormones, are increasingly recognized as central regulators of multisystem physiology across the lifespan in both sexes. Beyond reproductive functions, classical androgens together with emerging 11-oxygenated androgens participate in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis, immune balance, cardiovascular function, musculoskeletal integrity, neurocognitive processes, and systemic aging. Advances in steroidomics, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and androgen receptor biology are reshaping androgen research from a reproduction-centered perspective toward an integrated endocrine framework linking physiology, disease, nutrition, and precision medicine.</p></sec><sec><p>This review synthesizes current understanding of androgen biosynthesis, metabolism, and receptor signaling, and summarizes their roles in reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and late-onset hypogonadism, as well as prostate disease, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, bone and muscle health, dermatologic conditions, and neuropsychiatric function. Therapeutic approaches-including hormone replacement therapy, selective androgen receptor modulators, enzyme-targeted interventions, and structured safety monitoring-are also discussed.</p></sec><sec><p>An emerging frontier is the integration of nutrition and gut microbiota into androgen regulation. Micronutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D, together with balanced macronutrient intake, anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, and probiotics, influence steroidogenesis, inflammation, insulin resistance, and androgen receptor signaling, forming a potential “nutrition–microbiota–androgen axis”.</p></sec><sec><p>Meanwhile, LC-MS/MS-based multi-androgen profiling and early integration with AI approaches-such as ovarian-endocrine-age modeling exemplified by OvaRePred-may enable individualized interpretation and predictive analytics. Collectively, the convergence of advanced analytics, nutrition science, and AI-driven modeling is redefining androgen medicine and enabling more precise diagnosis and personalized endocrine health management.</p></sec>