Overweight and seminal quality: a study of 794 patients
Received 3 July 2009; received in revised form 5 November 2009; accepted 9 November 2009. published online 07 January 2010. Corrected Proof
Objectives
To evaluate sperm quality, levels of markers of epididymal and accessory gland function, and T in semen from men grouped according to their body mass index (BMI).
Design
Blind prospective study.
Setting
Andrology and reproduction laboratory in Cordoba, Argentina (2006–2007).
Patient(s)
Seven hundred ninety-four men.
Intervention(s)
None.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
In semen samples, sperm quality (volume, density, motility, morphology, viability, hypoosmotic swell test, and nuclear maturity) and levels of neutral alpha-glucosidase, fructose, citric acid and T.
Result(s)
Multivariate analysis showed a negative association between BMI and motility, rapid motility and neutral alpha-glucosidase levels, and a positive association between BMI and seminal fructose levels. No associations were found among BMI and sperm concentration, the other parameters evaluated, or seminal T levels.
Conclusion(s)
Results found in our study support a deleterious effect of obesity on seminal quality, probably by alterations in the function of the epididymis (i.e., in epididymal maturation).
aEstablished investigator from the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Argentina; Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
bLaboratorio de Andrología y Reproducción; Córdoba, Argentina
cCentro Integral de Ginecología, Obstetricia y Reproducción; Córdoba, Argentina
dCátedra de Estadística y Biometría, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
Reprint requests: Ana C. Martini, Ph.D., Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU, Córdoba, Argentina (TEL and FAX: 54-351-4332019)
Supported by grants from the Secretaría de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.
A.C.M. has nothing to disclose. A.T. has nothing to disclose. D.E. has nothing to disclose. R.I.M. has nothing to disclose. A.M. has nothing to disclose. M.F.C. has nothing to disclose. R.D.R has nothing to disclose.
ABSTRACT