Abstract
BackgroundThe impact of overweight among men of reproductive-age may affect fertility. Abdominal fat, more than body mass index, is an indicator of higher metabolic risk, which seems to be involved in decreasing sperm quality. This study aims to assess the relationship between abdominal fat and sperm DNA fragmentation and the effect of abdominal fat loss, among 6 men in subfertile couples.MethodsSperm DNA fragmentation, abdominal fat and metabolic and hormonal profiles were measured in the 6 men before and after dietary advices. Seminal oxidative stress and antioxidant markers were determined.ResultsAfter several months of a lifestyle program, all 6 men lost abdominal fat (patient 1: loss of 3 points of abdominal fat, patient 2: loss of 3 points, patient 3: loss of 2 points, patient 4: loss of 1 point, patient 5: loss of 4 points and patient 6: loss of 13 points). At the same time, their rate of sperm DNA fragmentation decreased: 9.5% vs 31%, 24% vs 43%, 18% vs 47%, 26.3% vs 66%, 25.4% vs 35% and 1.7% vs 25%. Also, an improvement in both metabolic (significant decrease in triglycerides and total cholesterol; p = 0.0139) and hormonal (significant increase in testosterone/oestradiol ratio; p = 0.0139) blood profiles was observed after following the lifestyle program. In seminal plasma, the amount of SOD2 has significantly increased (p = 0.0139) while in parallel carbonylated proteins have decreased. Furthermore, all spouses got pregnant. All pregnancies were brought to term.ConclusionThis study shows specifically that sperm DNA fragmentation among men in subfertile couples could be affected by abdominal fat, but improvement of lifestyle factor may correct this alteration. The effect of specific abdominal fat loss on sperm quality needs further investigation. The reduction of oxidative stress may be a contributing factor.
Highlights
Infertility affects about 15% of couples in reproductive age
There are still controversies about the effect on males, we recently show an increased risk of azoospermia or oligozoospermia in male with high body mass index (BMI) [6,7]
We report the achievement of pregnancy following dietary advices in six subfertile men and analysis improvement of their sperm parameters, seminal antioxidant and oxidative stress markers and metabolic and hormonal profiles after abdominal fat loss
Summary
Infertility affects about 15% of couples in reproductive age. A male factor, usually of unknown origin, is involved in 40% of cases [1].The high prevalence of overweight and obesity is significantly contributing to the overall burden of diseases worldwide, including infertility. Deleterious effects of obesity on reproductive functions are well documented and extensively published, dealing especially with higher frequency of ovulatory disorders and menstrual irregularities [2,3]. Within this context, abdominal fat accumulation contributes to reproductive dysfunction [4,5]. Abdominal fat accumulation appears to be a better indicator of high risk for developing an abnormal metabolic profile than body mass index. More than body mass index, is an indicator of higher metabolic risk, which seems to be involved in decreasing sperm quality. This study aims to assess the relationship between abdominal fat and sperm DNA fragmentation and the effect of abdominal fat loss, among 6 men in subfertile couples
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