Correlation of Obesity and Serum Vitamin D Levels with Sperm DNA Integrity, Sperm Quality, and Sperm Viability in Normozoospermia Men

Abstract

Background: Obesity, Vitamin D (VD) deficiency, and infertility are important ubiquitous issue; however, the association of obesity and serum VD levels with abnormal sperm is unclear and inconclusive. The current study investigated the correlation of obesity and serum VD levels with sperm DNA integrity and sperm parameters in normozoospermia men. Materials and Methods: Semen and blood samples from 64 men were divided into two groups: obese and nonobese men based on body mass index (BMI). Sperm motility and viability were determined by computer-aided sperm analysis and eosin-nigrosin staining. DNA fragmentation, determined by sperm chromatin dispersion method. VD concentrations were assessed by the Elisa technique. Results: Serum concentration of VD levels in the obese group was significantly lower than nonobese men ( P < 0.05). Sperm motility was significantly reduced in the obese group in comparison to nonobese ( P < 0.05). Rapid progressive motility was statistically lower in obese men compared with the nonobese group ( P < 0.05). Sperm count and morphology were not statistically significant in both groups. Sperm viability in the nonobese group was significantly decreased in comparison to obese group ( P < 0.05). DNA integrity was significantly higher in the obese group as compared with nonobese ( P < 0.01). Conclusion: VD deficiency in the obese group showed decreased sperm motility, increased DNA damage, and viability. Adverse consequences of obesity and the possible effect of BMI infertility treatment must be discussed with counseling couples interested in assisted reproductive techniques outcomes, especially in men without any unknown cause.

Obesity is associated with quality of sperm parameters in men with infertility: a cross-sectional study

“…According to Abbasihormozi et al, high BMI was negatively correlated with sperm normal morphology, sperm motility, progressive motility, and sperm count [ 41 ]. Contrary to our results, Pooladi et al reported a negative correlation between BMI and sperm motility (overall or progressive) but not sperm morphology and count [ 42 ]. Analyzing the studies, we found that the possible reasons for the inconsistencies might be related to different designs of studies, different sample sizes, different cut-off points of body mass index in determining obesity, and different health statuses of participants (infertile and healthy) in different studies.…”

“…Several recent studies with interesting results have been conducted since the aforementioned meta-analyses [39][40][41][42]. For example, in a cross-sectional study, Esmaeili et al found that BMI was negatively correlated with normal sperm morphology, sperm total motility, and progressive motility, but it had no effect on sperm volume and concentration.…”

Association of Vitamin-D insufficiency and infertility: A Literature Review

“…Furthermore, DNA integrity was higher in obese individuals than in non-obese individuals. 12 Research has found that the somatic or germ cells of the testes are able to compose and degrade vitamin D locally, while the systematic vitamin D metabolism does not seem to affect the effect. In addition, it is reported that the expression of VDR in the testis demonstrates that vitamin D may exert both autocrine and paracrine effects and, thereby, affect male infertility.…”