Relationship between visceral adiposity index and male infertility

Abstract

The visceral adiposity index (VAI), which is calculated by using parameters such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, triglyceride, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, has been reported to be associated with visceral fat distribution and increased cardiometabolic risk. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the VAI and hormone profiles as well as semen analysis in male infertility. This retrospective study included 278 adult men that were admitted to the urology and endocrine outpatient clinics. Patient data were reviewed, and outcomes were recorded. BMI and VAI were calculated and noted separately. BMI was negatively correlated with serum testosterone and testosterone/ estradiol ratio (T/E2) (p < .05 for all). There was no significant relationship between BMI and semen parameters (p > .05 for all). However, there was a significant negative correlation between VAI and semen parameters, total serum testosterone and T/E2 (p < .05 for all). Furthermore, VAI was independently associated with the total motility score. The increase in visceral adiposity that can be demonstrated by VAI may adversely affect male fertility due to its metabolic and hormonal effects. Since infertility occurs as a result of different metabolic conditions, the underlying mechanisms can be better understood from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Relationship between obesity‐related markers, biochemical metabolic parameters, hormonal profiles and sperm parameters among men attending an infertility clinic

“…Increased levels of leptin, estradiol (E2), insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), and aromatase activity (testosterone to estradiol: T/E2), as well as decreasing levels of sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone (T), are possible hormonal alterations. High amounts of T in the testicles are required for sperm production and semen quality (Du Plessis et al, 2010; Turan & Öztekin, 2020). Obesity, on the other hand, is linked to lower total testosterone (TT) levels due to insulin resistance‐related reductions in the SHBG carrier.…”

Can Annual Daylight Cycles and Seasons Have an Effect on Male Sexual Functions?

“…Several studies have shown that the increase in BMI may result in disruption of hormonal and seminal parameters [23,24]. Therefore, we considered BMI as a parameter that may affect the results in our study; however, we found that there was no difference in BMI between our groups.…”

The relationship between the visceral adiposity index and carotid atherosclerosis in different genders and age groups

“… 22 Furthermore, a study from Turkey found that high visceral adiposity was associated with decreased testosterone levels and testosterone/estradiol ratios, and VAI was also considered to be the strongest predictive marker of metabolic syndrome in females with polycystic ovary syndrome. 23 , 24 …”

“…22 Furthermore, a study from Turkey found that high visceral adiposity was associated with decreased testosterone levels and testosterone/ estradiol ratios, and VAI was also considered to be the strongest predictive marker of metabolic syndrome in females with polycystic ovary syndrome. 23,24 The association between VAI and CVD is considered to be related to the accumulation of adipokines, oxidative stress, and a proinflammatory milieu. 25 Now there are a lot of experimental and clinical evidence that atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process involving many inflammatory cells and inflammatory mediators.…”