[Exploration into the biological basis of male diseases based on the theory of "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis].

Prostate diseases, male infertility, sexual dysfunction and other male diseases are highly prevalent in men and seriously affect their quality of life, causing significant impacts on their physical and mental health. According to the theory of "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber (BHKE)" axis, the brain, heart, kidney and essence chamber are linked by meridians, based on essence and blood, and guided by spirit, which are interconnected to form an organic whole as the main axis for the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of male diseases. At present, considerable progress has been made in the application and development of the "BHKE" axis theory in the treatment of male diseases in Chinese medicine, but the interpretation of its scientific connotation is not sufficient enough and its biological basis lacks further clarification. This review explores into the biological basis of the maladjusted BHKE axis in different male diseases, such as chronic prostatitis, BPH, male infertility, ED, premature ejaculation, from the perspectives of the nerves, endocrine, immune system, and micro-environment, aiming to provide some evidence for further in-depth studies of the scientific connotation and application value of the "BHKE" axis theory in the treatment of male diseases.