Metabolic Syndrome and Reproduction

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and infertility are two afflictions with a high prevalence in the general population. MetS is a global health problem increasing worldwide, while infertility affects up to 12% of men. Despite the high prevalence of these conditions, the possible impact of MetS on male fertility has been investigated by a few authors only in the last decade. In addition, underlying mechanism(s) connecting the two conditions have been investigated in few preclinical studies. The aim of this review is to summarize and critically discuss available clinical and preclinical studies on the role of MetS (and its treatment) in male fertility. An extensive Medline search was performed identifying studies in the English language. While several studies support an association between MetS and hypogonadism, contrasting results have been reported on the relationship between MetS and semen parameters/male infertility, and the available studies considered heterogeneous MetS definitions and populations. So far, only two meta-analyses in clinical and preclinical studies, respectively, evaluated this topic, reporting a negative association between MetS and sperm parameters, testosterone and FSH levels, advocating, however, larger prospective investigations. In conclusion, a possible negative impact of MetS on male reproductive potential was reported; however, larger studies are needed.

Triglycerides/Glucose Index Is Associated with Sperm Parameters and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Primary Infertile Men: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In this context, finding effective biomarkers which may help and personalizing preventive strategies for those infertile men who are at an actual higher risk of developing chronic diseases or cancers emerged to be clinically relevant. Among other potential diseases, prediabetes, hypertension and MetS have been observed to occur more frequently in infertile men, and certainly at an earlier phase in life, with all possible subsequent long-term sequelae [11,15,27].…”

“…Furthermore, metabolic disorders such as prediabetes, diabetes mellitus (DM), and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are commonly found in infertile men [8][9][10]. In this context, DM and insulin resistance (IR) have been observed to negatively affect sperm quality and hormonal values, thus contributing to MFI [11]. The underlying mechanisms of this association include the impaired function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, increased DNA damage, oxidative stress, and disrupted sympathetic innervation [12].…”

“…The alteration of the energy balance through the elevation in the levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress can affect male reproductive functions [13]. Furthermore, IR, along with MFI, has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) [11,14]. Therefore, the precise evaluation of IR appears to be of clinical relevance in the diagnostic work-up of infertile men.…”

Society for Endocrinology guidelines for testosterone replacement therapy in male hypogonadism

“…Other contributing factors include the dysregulated signalling of leptin, adiponectin and gut hormones (ghrelin and peptide YY), the effects of proinflammatory adipocytokines (e.g. tumour‐necrosis factor alpha), interleukin 50 and physiologic stressors accompanying obesity (e.g., chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, sleep apnoea and arthritis), overall constituting NGI 48 . However, due to the inhibitory effect of hyperinsulinaemia on hepatic SHBG secretion, obese men tend to run low SHBG levels, such that measurement of total testosterone may, at first sight, appear to indicate a CH (or NGI) biochemical picture, whereas free T is likely to be normal.…”

Хірургічна Корекція Рівня Адипокінів Та Греліну В Щурів Із Метаболічним Синдромом

“…Метаболічний синдром (МС) являє собою одну з найбільш вагомих проблем сучасної медицини, оскільки є причиною суттєвої інвалідизації та смертності. Поширення МС настільки високе, що ВООЗ визначила його як неінфекційну епідемію, адже за даними літератури його діагностують від 8 до 67 % [11]. Така велика варіація залежить від комбінації генетичних, біологічних (вік, стать, етнічна приналежність) і соціальних факторів (урбанізація, рівень освіти, соціально-економічний статус), а також від відсутності загальноприйнятих критеріїв, що визначають власне МС.…”