Fig. 7
From: MicroRNA regulation of the proliferation and apoptosis of Leydig cells in diabetes
Schematic showing the molecular mechanisms of diabetes-induced testicular damage. Notes: In the diabetic state, the expression of miR-504 and miR-935 in Leydig cells increases, thereby inhibiting the MEK5/ERK5/MEF2C pathway, leading to increased interstitial cell apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation. This results in a reduced secretion of androgens, which in turn leads to a decrease in sperm production. Green indicates inhibition, whereas red indicates enhancement. Solid lines to indicate enhanced effects and dotted lines to indicate weakened stimulatory or inhibitory effects