Age-related features of anthropometric and biochemical status of men from infertile couples

Abstract

Introduction . The obesity seems to grow into a real pandemic. As one of the consequences of obesity we observe a significant increase of infertility in married couples, including male infertility. As the situation with male fertility continues to deteriorate, we consider further investigation of etiology and pathogenesis of male infertility important. Aim of the study was to investigate age-related anthropometric characteristics and metabolic status in men from infertile couples. Material and methods. 426 men from infertile couples were divided into 5 groups according to age: 1) < 30 years old, 2) 30.0-34.9 years old, 3) 35.0-39,9 years old, 4) 40.0-44.9 years old, 5) ≥ 45 years old. We carried out anthropometric examination and biochemical blood analysis. Results. Within groups 2 to 4 we observed group-to- group consecutive increase in body weight, body mass index values, waist circumference and waist circumference to hip circumference values which are related to the increase of adipose tissue mass in the abdominal region. We also detected the increase of hyperglycemia occurrence. Higher values of the abovementioned anthropometric parameters were detected for the test subjects of the group 1 despite the younger age. We observed 60 and 40 % of upper and lower types of abdominal fat distribution respectively for the group 1 test subjects. Conclusions. Based on the anthropometric parameters we conclude that the infertility can be caused by negative influence of subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue accumulation for the youngest test subjects (age < 30 years). For the older test subjects, infertility results of the cumulative effect of abdominal obesity and other medical and social factors. Group 4 test subjects (age 40-45) exhibit the most frequent abdominal obesity and associated with metabolic status disorders.