What ' s known on the subject? and What does the study add?The relationship between high levels of BMI and changes in altered standard semen analysis parameters are described in the literature. However, the functional characteristics of the sperm are essential to complete the evaluation of male infertility. Thus, this study provides important information about the functionality of the sperm of men with different levels of BMI.Study Type -Prognosis (cohort) Level of Evidence 3a
OBJECTIVE• To assess the effect of obesity on semen analysis, sperm mitochondrial activity and DNA fragmentation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS• A transversal study of 305 male patients, presenting for clinical evaluation, was carried out. The patients were divided into three groups according to body mass index (BMI) as follows: eutrophic (BMI < 25 kg/ m 2 , n = 82), overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 and < 30, n = 187) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/ m 2 , n = 36).• The variables analysed were semen analysis, rate of sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm mitochondrial activity.• Groups were compared using one-way analysis of variance followed by a least signifi cant difference post-hoc test. A P -value of < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical signifi cance.
RESULTS• No differences were observed in age, ejaculatory abstinence, ejaculate volume, sperm vitality, morphology or round cell and neutrophil count among the groups.• The eutrophic group had a higher percentage of sperm with progressive motility ( P = 0.001). Mitochondrial activity was lower in the obese group ( P = 0.037) when compared to the eutrophic, and the percentage of sperm with DNA damage was higher in the obese group ( P = 0.004) than the other two groups.
CONCLUSION• Increased BMI values are associated with decreased mitochondrial activity and progressive motility and increased DNA fragmentation.
Funding for the study was provided by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (Fapesp) (2007/59423-7) and by the Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section at the São Paulo Federal University.
Background
The current outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, named coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19), is not the first well‐known spillover of an animal originated virus to infect humans. However, one of the few to make such a fast jump in a powerful evolutionary shortcut. The incredible pattern of aggressiveness worldwide since the beginning of the outbreak is that up to 20% of those infected need hospitalization and 5% evolve to critical conditions, not limited to respiratory‐related issues, but rather to systemic involvement.
Objective
This study aims to summarize the current knowledge about the effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on the male genitourinary tract.
Materials and methods
A narrative review was carried out to identify articles on the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on the male genitourinary system.
Results
Considerations were made about the molecular characteristics of SARS‐CoV‐2 and immune response to coronavirus. We discussed the influence of the virus on the urinary system, potential mechanisms of COVID‐19‐ related acute kidney injury (AKI), and the role of cytokine release syndrome on the renal pathophysiology of the disease. In the male reproductive tract, it was discussed the testis' vulnerability to SARS‐CoV‐2 invasion and the possible adverse effects on its function and the seminal findings of COVID‐19.
Discussion and conclusion
During the COVID‐19 pandemic, an international coordinated scientific effort must arise to understand the role of the urogenital system in the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the clinical setting.
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