The time-dependent adverse effects of a high-fat diet on sperm parameters

Abstract

Background. Studies indicate a relationship between a high-fat diet (HFD) and sperm quality. However, the time-dependent adverse effects of a HFD on sperm parameters and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Objectives. The present study was designed to determine the effects of a HFD on sperm quality at various time points in order to assess whether a HFD causes cumulative damage to sperm. Materials and methods.Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet (the ND group) or a HFD (the HFD group) for 16, 30 or 42 weeks (n = 6 for each group). Body weight, lipid profile, sperm parameters, testicular morphology, and testicular oxidative stress levels were evaluated alongside the proliferation, DNA damage and rate of germ cell apoptosis.Results. Sperm quality was reduced in HFD-fed animals in a time-dependent manner, which was demonstrated by a decline in sperm density, motility and progressive motility. Further analysis showed a progressive deterioration of the testicular histoarchitecture of HFD-fed mice, which was accompanied by a decrease in DEAD-box helicase 4 (DDX4) expression and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and gamma-H2A histone family member X (γ-H2AX) expression, and increased apoptosis of germ cells.Conclusions. These findings demonstrate that a HFD exerted adverse effects on sperm quality, and the deteriorating effect was progressive with long-term feeding. The inhibited proliferation and apoptosis of germ cells, and the increased oxidative stress levels and DNA damage may be the underlying mechanisms.

Smoking Induces a Decline in Semen Quality and the Activation of Stress Response Pathways in Sperm

“…Over the past few decades, a decline in semen quality parameters has been reported [28,29]. Increasing evidence suggests that lifestyle-related factors, such as tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drug consumption, obesity, advanced paternal age, physical activity, and dietary habits, play a significant role in this decline by inducing testicular damage, impaired semen parameters, and sperm DNA fragmentation [7,[9][10][11][12]30]. In the current study, we investigated the impact of several lifestyle factors, such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, the practice of physical activity, and dietary habits, on semen quality parameters.…”

“…While the exact reasons for idiopathic male infertility are not fully understood, it is believed that various risk factors, including age, psychological stress and quality of life, an inadequate lifestyle, and environmental or occupational exposure to toxicants, may play a role [3][4][5][6][7][8]. Numerous studies have reported that several lifestyle factors, including tobacco smoking [9,10], alcohol consumption [9], and high-fat diets [11], can induce testicular damage, impaired semen parameters, and sperm DNA fragmentation by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation [7,12]. Regarding tobacco smoking, several animal studies have been conducted to understand the effects of cigarette consumption on testes, sperm, and semen parameters.…”