Markers of accessory glands and seminal parameters in infertile men with overweight and obesity

Introduction: Several studies have investigated the impact of male obesity on the traditional sperm parameters but it is unclear if in the male obesity, accessory glands secretory function may be altered. In this paper the seminal parameters and the biochemical markers of accessory sex glands are related with the Body Mass Index (BMI). Material and methods: 1148 patients attending a Fertility Center with subfertility were included in the study. Weight and height were recorded to calculate BMI in each patient. Semen parameters and markers of male accessory glands were measured. Pearson´s correlation coefficient has been performed, p-values below 0.01 were considered statistically significant. Results: In HOS tests a reduction was observed in I and II-III obesity groups, sperm /ejaculate number, seminal volume and citric acid decrease were correlated inversely with the body mass index. Seminal fructose levels tend to increase in proportion to body mass. The correlation analysis in all the individuals indicates a trend for increase in BMI over time. Conclusion: Obesity has a negative impact on sperm quality and prostatic function, although sperm parameters changes are more evident in men with morbid obesity. Oxidative stress, hormonal and metabolic changes increase as adiposity progresses in an individual, so we may expect infertility, prostate pathologies could be avoided if hyperadiposity in infertile men is controlled opportunely.