Abstract
BackgroundObesity appears to be associated with male reproductive dysfunction and infertility, although this has been inconsistent and inconclusive. Insulin and leptin are known mediators and modulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testes axis, contributing to the regulation of male reproductive potential and overall wellbeing. These hormones are also present in semen influencing sperm functions. Although abdominal obesity is closely associated with insulin resistance (hyperinsulinaemia), hyperleptinaemia and glucose dysfunction, changes in seminal plasma concentrations of insulin, leptin and glucose in obese males has not previously been investigated.MethodsThis small case controlled study assessed serum and seminal concentrations of insulin, leptin and glucose in obese (BMI > =30; n = 23) and non-obese (BMI < 30; n = 19) males. Following a detailed medical history and examination, participants meeting the inclusion criteria were entered for data analysis. Body parameters such as BMI, waist and hip circumference and the waist hip ratio were measured. Serum and semen samples were collected and assayed for insulin, leptin and glucose. Semen samples also underwent a standard semen analysis, with sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and DNA fragmentation (DF).ResultsObesity was associated with increased serum and seminal insulin and leptin, with no significant difference in seminal glucose. Serum and seminal concentrations of insulin and leptin were positively correlated. Furthermore, obesity was associated with decreased sperm concentration, sperm vitality and increased MMP and DF, with a non-significant impact on motility and morphology.ConclusionsHyperinsulinaemia and hyperleptinaemia are associated with increased seminal insulin and leptin concentrations, which may negatively impact male reproductive function in obesity. Insulin was also found to be highly concentrated in the seminal plasma of both groups. This data will contribute to the contradictive information available in the literature on the impact of obesity and male reproduction.
Highlights
Obesity appears to be associated with male reproductive dysfunction and infertility, this has been inconsistent and inconclusive
The results show that obese males have significantly increased seminal insulin and leptin as compared to the nOb group
Obesity is associated with increased serum and seminal insulin and leptin in a cohort of male participants
Summary
Obesity appears to be associated with male reproductive dysfunction and infertility, this has been inconsistent and inconclusive. Insulin and leptin are known mediators and modulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testes axis, contributing to the regulation of male reproductive potential and overall wellbeing. These hormones are present in semen influencing sperm functions. Not always a true reflection of male fertility potential, an assessment of sperm quality based on WHO guidelines [6] is normally used to estimate the fertilisation potential of the male partner [8] This typically includes semen volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count, total and progressive motility, sperm vitality and normal sperm morphology [6,8]. A decrease in sperm quality is considered a major reflection of the decreased ability of the male partner to contribute to fertilisation [11]
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