Relation of Obesity to Decreased Sperm Count.

Body mass index and human sperm quality: neither one extreme nor the other

“…All these factors suggest that the epididymis may be a target tissue for obesity reproductive alterations. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that NAG secretion is androgen dependent and obesity, as previously mentioned, is often accompanied by hypogonadism (Cabler, et al, 2010, Hammoud, et al, 2008b, Mah and Wittert, 2010, Teerds, et al, 2011. In a previous paper published in 2010, we reported the same profile (Martini, et al, 2010); moreover, earlier studies developed in our laboratory using mice as animal models, have linked epididymis function and NAG secretion with nutritional alterations, particularly, undernutrition (Martini, et al, 2007).…”

“…Between Jensen´s publication and today, many studies have intended to confirm or discard the hypothesis of obesity as etiological factor for male fertility decline (Cabler, et al, 2010, Hammoud, et al, 2008a, Hammoud, et al, 2008b, Mah and Wittert, 2010, Martini, et al, 2010, Teerds, et al, 2011. Although there is no total consensus, the hormonal profile of obese males is usually characterized by a decrease in total and free testosterone (T) levels, sex hormone binding globulin and gonadotropins concentration and by an increase of circulating estrogens (Cabler, et al, 2010, Hammoud, et al, 2008a, Hammoud, et al, 2008b, Mah and Wittert, 2010, Teerds, et al, 2011.…”

“…Whether overweight/obesity affect sperm quality or not, is even less established; data reported by different authors are conflicting and do not exhibit a clear dose-response character (Hammoud, et al, 2008b). While some studies have documented a reduction in sperm count associated to obesity (Jensen, et al, 2004, Hammoud, et al, 2008a, Braga, et al, 2012, Sermondade, et al, 2012, Sermondade, et al, 2013, Stewart, et al, 2009, others have not (Martini, et al, 2010, Mac Donald, et al, 2010, Ramlau-Hansen, et al, 2010.…”