Impact of diet-induced obesity in male mouse reproductive system: The role of advanced glycation end product–receptor for advanced glycation end product axis

Obesity represents a route to broad physiological dysfunction affecting major organs including male urogenital system. Hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress associated with obesity augment the formation of reactive metabolic by-products, namely advanced glycation end products (AGEs), leading to increased tissue deposition and damage. The exogenous intake and the endogenous accumulation of AGEs contribute to metabolic and reproductive abnormalities in both women and men. The present study assessed the effects of a diet high in saturated fatty acids (SAFA) on the lipid and metabolic profile (AGE levels, oxidative stress) as well as pathogenic (AGE, receptor for AGEs [RAGE] expression, apoptosis) and morphometric parameters of male reproductive system in vivo. Effects of switching to a diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) or equal in the proportion MUFA to SAFA were further investigated. SAFA-fed animals were characterized by increased serum lipid concentrations (p < .05) compared to...