News | The Negative Impact of Obesity on Male Fertility Cannot Be Ignored
A review article published in the journal Aspects of Molecular Medicine analyzed current evidence on the effects of obesity on the male reproductive system and discussed in detail the molecular mechanisms leading to male infertility in obese or overweight individuals.
Background Introduction
Obesity is considered one of the leading causes of male infertility worldwide. Increased body weight can affect testicular development and function starting from gestational age. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates that obesity can significantly reduce sperm parameters in adult men. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one billion people worldwide suffer from obesity. As global obesity rates continue to rise, precisely understanding the relationship between obesity and male reproductive dysfunction has become particularly important.
The Impact of Obesity on Male Infertility
A body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or above is defined as obesity. In men, a body fat percentage exceeding 25%, and in women exceeding 30%, is also described as obesity, although these often correlate poorly with BMI in the context of obesity diagnosis.
Studies have shown that in couples with obese male partners, male obesity significantly increases the risk of infertility. However, research findings on the direct effects of obesity on conventional sperm parameters are mixed or conflicting. Some studies show that obesity has no significant effect on sperm count, morphology, and motility, while other meta-analyses indicate that obesity reduces total sperm count, sperm concentration, semen volume, sperm viability, and total sperm motility.
A recent meta-analysis study indicated that obesity significantly reduces total sperm count, sperm concentration, and progressive and total sperm motility. Additionally, obesity affects overall sperm quality by inducing hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (i.e., reduced production of male sex hormones).
Mechanisms of Obesity-Related Male Infertility
Obesity-induced hypogonadotropic hypogonadism may be caused by excess visceral fat. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is associated with excessive conversion of testosterone to 17-beta-estradiol by adipocytes, which further promotes hepatic secretion of sex hormone-binding globulin. This protein can bind testosterone, inhibiting its biological function. Furthermore, low testosterone levels also trigger fat accumulation in the body.
Low testosterone levels lead to impaired proliferation and differentiation of Sertoli cells and spermatogonial stem cells, negatively affecting spermatogenesis. High blood estrogen levels can also further affect the male reproductive system by inhibiting the release of lactate (which serves as an essential substrate for germ cells) and disrupting the integrity of the blood-testis barrier.
Conclusion
In summary, this study found a significant association between obesity, overweight, and reduced sperm quality, and this association is particularly pronounced in men with class II/III obesity. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining normal body weight for improving sperm quality and male reproductive health. Future research should further explore the effects of obesity on male reproduction using more comprehensive indicators for assessment.
Story Source:
Collected from the internet
Author LinkedIVF TeamPublished 2024-07-21
This article used AI assistance; LinkedIVF has not recorded an editorial review for this item. It is not medical advice.
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News | The Negative Impact of Obesity on Male Fertility
News | The Negative Impact of Obesity on Male Fertility Cannot Be Ignored
A review article published in the journal Aspects of Molecular Medicine analyzed current evidence on the effects of obesity on the male reproductive system and discussed in detail the molecular mechanisms leading to male infertility in obese or overweight individuals.
Background Introduction
Obesity is considered one of the leading causes of male infertility worldwide. Increased body weight can affect testicular development and function starting from gestational age. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates that obesity can significantly reduce sperm parameters in adult men. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one billion people worldwide suffer from obesity. As global obesity rates continue to rise, precisely understanding the relationship between obesity and male reproductive dysfunction has become particularly important.
The Impact of Obesity on Male Infertility
A body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or above is defined as obesity. In men, a body fat percentage exceeding 25%, and in women exceeding 30%, is also described as obesity, although these often correlate poorly with BMI in the context of obesity diagnosis.
Studies have shown that in couples with obese male partners, male obesity significantly increases the risk of infertility. However, research findings on the direct effects of obesity on conventional sperm parameters are mixed or conflicting. Some studies show that obesity has no significant effect on sperm count, morphology, and motility, while other meta-analyses indicate that obesity reduces total sperm count, sperm concentration, semen volume, sperm viability, and total sperm motility.
A recent meta-analysis study indicated that obesity significantly reduces total sperm count, sperm concentration, and progressive and total sperm motility. Additionally, obesity affects overall sperm quality by inducing hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (i.e., reduced production of male sex hormones).
Mechanisms of Obesity-Related Male Infertility
Obesity-induced hypogonadotropic hypogonadism may be caused by excess visceral fat. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is associated with excessive conversion of testosterone to 17-beta-estradiol by adipocytes, which further promotes hepatic secretion of sex hormone-binding globulin. This protein can bind testosterone, inhibiting its biological function. Furthermore, low testosterone levels also trigger fat accumulation in the body.
Low testosterone levels lead to impaired proliferation and differentiation of Sertoli cells and spermatogonial stem cells, negatively affecting spermatogenesis. High blood estrogen levels can also further affect the male reproductive system by inhibiting the release of lactate (which serves as an essential substrate for germ cells) and disrupting the integrity of the blood-testis barrier.
Conclusion
In summary, this study found a significant association between obesity, overweight, and reduced sperm quality, and this association is particularly pronounced in men with class II/III obesity. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining normal body weight for improving sperm quality and male reproductive health. Future research should further explore the effects of obesity on male reproduction using more comprehensive indicators for assessment.
Story Source:
Collected from the internet