The Impact of Minoxidil on Male Reproductive Biology: A Multi-Approach Study Including Systematic Review, In Vivo, and Ex Vivo Experiments

This study investigates the impact of minoxidil on male reproductive health, focusing on its effects on the testes and epididymis. Through a systematic review of 31 studies, in vivo experiments in mice, and ex vivo studies with human testicular tissues, the research highlights that both minoxidil and finasteride act as endocrine disruptors, causing oxidative stress and morphological changes in the male reproductive tract. In mice, oral minoxidil at 5 mg/kg caused significant testicular damage, while ex vivo studies showed it impaired adult testicular tissue by downregulating germ cell markers and steroidogenic enzymes. These findings raise concerns about minoxidil's reproductive safety, emphasizing the need for further research and clinical trials to explore strategies to mitigate its reproductive effects.