Obesity impairs male fertility through long-term effects on spermatogenesis

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect and possible underlying mechanisms of high-fat diet-induced obesity on spermatogenesis in male rats. Methods A total of 45 male rats were randomly divided into control (n = 15, normal diet) and obesity groups (n = 30, high-fat diet) and were fed for 16 weeks. Body weight and organ indexes were determined after sacrifice. Indicators of reproductive function, including sperm count, sperm motility, apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, and oxidative stress levels, were measured. Serum metabolic parameters and reproductive hormones were also assayed. Results Compared with the control group, epididymal sperm motility in the obese rats was significantly decreased (P 0.05). Results Nutritional obesity can damage spermatogenesis in male rats due to long-term effects on spermatogenesis.