A study led by Taylor Pini, of the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, analyzed the effects of obesity on male fertility. Analyzes revealed differences in the structure of 27 proteins contained in the sperm. This was despite clinical trials not showing any problems. This means that not only does weight also play a role in male fertility, but that traditional clinical analyzes may be insufficient.

The researchers started from the samples of 10 men, 5 obese and 5 normal weight. All volunteers had average sperm levels, motile and with normal morphology. Andrological analyzes had not indicated any critical issues affecting fertility. More in-depth analyzes were needed to identify important biochemical changes.

The researchers identified 2,034 sperm proteins. In the samples of obese subjects, 24 showed levels of much lower and 3 levels of much higher than the average. The anomalies were all related to proteins responsible for controlling oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage. In a nutshell, the spermatozoa of obese men were more prone to oxidative stress and inflammation.

According to the authors of the study, there may be a link between obesity and spermatogenesis, although not entirely clear. Too much above average weight could have serious consequences on sperm quality, not all visible with normal tests. Weight is therefore a sensitive issue not only for women who want children, but also for men.

Source: medscape.com