Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effect and possible underlying mechanisms of high-fat diet-induced obesity on spermatogenesis in male rats.MethodsA total of 45 male rats were randomly divided into control (n = 15, normal diet) and obesity groups (n = 30, high-fat diet) and were fed for 16 weeks. Body weight and organ indexes were determined after sacrifice. Indicators of reproductive function, including sperm count, sperm motility, apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, and oxidative stress levels, were measured. Serum metabolic parameters and reproductive hormones were also assayed.ResultsCompared with the control group, epididymal sperm motility in the obese rats was significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Morphological analysis of the obesity group showed vacuolar changes in seminiferous tubules, spermatogenic cell dysfunction, and increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in testicular tissue (P < 0.05). The calculated free testosterone (cFT) concentration in serum was decreased (P < 0.05), whereas the serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) level was significantly increased (P < 0.01). The superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration decreased and the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration increased in testis tissues; however, neither changes were statistically significant (P > 0.05).ResultsNutritional obesity can damage spermatogenesis in male rats due to long-term effects on spermatogenesis.
Highlights
Obesity refers to excessive accumulation of body fat, which has a negative impact on health
In a dietinduced model of obesity reported by Levin, rats became obesity-resistant with high-fat diet administration [23], and differences were found in their energy, endocrine, fat and glutamic acid (GLU) metabolism
The results from this study indicated that obesity induced by a high-fat diet can change the histomorphology of seminiferous tubules, which may not have obvious effects on male fertility immediately, but the long-term effects on spermatogenesis induced by obesity may impair male fertility
Summary
Obesity refers to excessive accumulation of body fat, which has a negative impact on health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a body mass index (BMI) of 25–29.9 kg/m2 is defined as overweight, while a BMI of 30 kg/m2 is defined as obesity. The effect of obesity on fertility has been extensively investigated. Current studies have principally focused on the effects of obesity on the reproductive function of females or female animals, while males or male animals are poorly studied [6]. Conclusions on the effects of obesity on semen parameters and reproductive hormones have differed [9] due to the many factors that may impact male fertility. This study aimed to investigate spermatogenesis in male rats with obesity
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