Physically active men show better semen parameters and hormone values than sedentary men

A Mendelian randomization study on causal effects of leisure sedentary behavior on the risk of erectile dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Erectile dysfunction has been associated with leisure sedentary behavior in several epidemiological and observational studies. However, the interpretation of these findings is difficult due to residual confounding or reverse causality.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the causal association between leisure sedentary behavior and erectile dysfunction, and to explore the underlying mechanism using Mendelian randomization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, publicly available large-scale genome-wide association studies of leisure sedentary behaviors (television watching, computer use, and driving), erectile dysfunction, sex hormones (total testosterone, bioactive testosterone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, and sex hormone binding globulin), biomarkers of endothelial function (C reactive protein, E-selectin, and matrix metalloproteinase 7), and psychiatric symptoms (depression and anxiety) were used to perform two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses. The inverse variance weighting method was the main method used to estimate the association, and sensitivity analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

A greater risk of erectile dysfunction was significantly associated with a higher genetic susceptibility to leisure computer usage (odds ratio = 3.57; 95% confidence interval = 1.78-7.16; p < 0.001). No evidence was obtained to suggest that watching television or driving for leisure increased the risk of erectile dysfunction. No association was found between computer use and depression, anxiety, C reactive protein, E-selectin, matrix metalloproteinase 7, or other sex hormones, with the exception of follicle-stimulating hormone levels (odds ratio = 0.29; 95% confidence interval = 0.12-0.69; p = 0.01). No indication of heterogeneity or pleiotropy was identified by sensitivity analysis.

DISCUSSION

Extended computer usage for leisure raised the likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction, which may be associated to lower follicle-stimulating hormone levels; however, the role of endothelial dysfunction and psychological disorders in the development of erectile dysfunction should not be underestimated. Moderate physical activity may help to correct the dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

The present study offered substantial evidence for a positive causal association between computer use and the risk of erectile dysfunction. However, a definitive causal association needs to be established by further research.

Lifelong exercise training promotes the remodelling of the immune system and prostate signalome in a rat model of prostate carcinogenesis

This work aimed to understand how lifelong exercise training promotes the remodelling of the immune system and prostate signalome in a rat model of PCa. Fifty-five male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control sedentary, control exercised, induced PCa sedentary and induced PCa exercised. Exercised animals were trained in a treadmill for 53 weeks. Pca induction consisted on the sequential administration of flutamide, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and testosterone propionate implants. Serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) were not different among groups. Peripheral levels of γδ T cells were higher in Pca exercised group than in the PCa sedentary group (p < 0.05). Exercise training also induced Oestrogen Receptor (ESR1) upregulation and Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase 13 (MAPK13) downregulation, changed the content of the phosphorylated (at Ser-104) form of this receptor (coded by the gene ESR1) and seemed to increase Erα phosphorylation and activity in exercised PCa rats when compared with sedentary PCa rats. Our data highlight the exercise-induced remodelling of peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations and lymphocyte infiltration in prostate tissue. Moreover, exercise training promotes the remodelling prostate signalome in this rat model of prostate carcinogenesis.

The role of physical agents' exposure in male infertility: A critical review

BACKGROUND

A decrease in semen quality is an increasingly widespread pathological condition worldwide. Jobs and lifestyles have changed a lot with the advancement of technology in the last few decades, and a new series of risk factors for male infertility have spread.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to summarize the current literature on this relationship, evaluating alterations in semen parameters and hormonal profile.

METHODS

A deep research was performed through MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on articles regarding the relationship between physical agents and male fertility over the last twenty years. Some physical agents already associated with male infertility, such as heat and radiation, while emerging ones, such as physical exertion, psychological stress and sedentary activities, were newly considered.

RESULTS

Most studies described sperm quality after exposure. Overall sperm impairment was shown after radiation and alteration of specific parameters, such as sperm concentration, were observed after psychological stress and sedentary work. In addition, an association was also reported between physical exertion and hormonal profile, especially pituitary hormones and testosterone.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the associations between physical agents and male infertility are suggestive, the level of evidence of the studies is not adequate to define their influence, except for physical exertion. Therefore, new prospective studies are necessary for the validation of the correlation and the possible safeguarding of the exposed working classes.

Male Fertility and Physical Exercise

According to existing studies, sedentary behavior contributes to male infertility. Both preclinical and clinical studies have investigated the association between physical exercise, semen quality, and pregnancy rates with heterogeneous results. The current review sought to examine the relationship between physical activity (PA) and male infertility, semen characteristics, and pregnancy rates. Pre-clinical studies demonstrated mixed benefits from exercise, with diet being an important consideration. Some forms of PA showed an improvement in pregnancy rates, while others did not consistently improve semen quality. Data also suggests that more intense exercise and certain types of exercise may impair male fertility. Given the limited number of randomized trials, future research is required to examine the relationship between specific forms of exercise and semen parameters along with reproductive outcomes.

Lifestyle, Insulin Resistance and Semen Quality as Co-Dependent Factors of Male Infertility

Infertility is a problem that affects millions of couples around the world. It is known as a disease of couples, not individuals, which makes diagnosis difficult and treatment unclear. Male infertility can have many causes, from mechanical ones to abnormal spermatogenesis or spermiogenesis. Semen quality is determined by a number of factors, including those dependent on men themselves, with the number of infertile men growing every year. These include, e.g., diet, physical activity, sleep quality, stress, among many others. As these factors co-exist with insulin resistance, which is a disease closely related to lifestyle, it has been singled out in the study due to its role in affecting semen quality. In order to examine connections between lifestyle, insulin resistance, and semen quality, a review of literature published from 1989 to 2020 in the following databases PubMed/Medline, EMBASE (Elsevier), Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was performed. Hence, semen quality, environment, and insulin resistance are interrelated, thus it is difficult to indicate which aspect is the cause and which is the effect in a particular relationship and the nature of possible correlations. Since the influence of lifestyle on semen quality has been extensively studied, it is recommended that more thorough research be done on the relationship between insulin resistance and semen quality, comparing the semen quality of men with and without insulin resistance.

Effects of Age and Lifelong Moderate-Intensity Exercise Training on Rats' Testicular Function

Aging is associated with testicular morphological and functional alterations, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and the impact of physical exercise are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of age and lifelong moderate-intensity exercise on rat testis. Mature adults (35 weeks) and middle-aged (61 weeks) Wistar Unilever male rats were maintained as sedentary or subjected to a lifelong moderate-intensity treadmill training protocol. Testis weight and histology, mitochondrial biogenesis and function, and proteins involved in protein synthesis and stress response were evaluated. Our results illustrate an age-induced testicular atrophy that was associated with alterations in stress response, and mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Aging was associated with increased testicular levels of heat shock protein beta-1 (HSP27) and antioxidant enzymes. Aging was also associated with decreased mRNA abundance of the nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1), a key transcription factor for mitochondrial biogenesis, which was accompanied by decreased protein levels of the oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) complexes subunits in the testes of older animals. On the other hand, exercise did not protect against age-induced testicular atrophy and led to deleterious effects on sperm morphology. Exercise led to an even more pronounced decrease in the Nrf1 mRNA levels in testes of both age groups and was associated with decreased mRNA abundance of other mitochondrial biogenesis markers and decreased protein levels of OXPHOS complexes subunits. Lifelong moderate-intensity exercise training was also associated with an increase in testicular oxidative stress markers and possibly with reduced translation. Together, our results indicate that exercise did not protect against age-induced testicular atrophy and was not associated with beneficial changes in mitochondria and stress response, further activating mechanisms of protein synthesis inhibition.

The Impact of Lifestyle on Sperm Function, Telomere Length, and IVF Outcomes

Many risk factors can potentially influence sperm quality. Telomeres confer stability on the chromosome and their dysfunction has been implicated in conditions such as cancer, aging, and lifestyle. The impact of lifestyle on sperm cell telomeres is unclear. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of lifestyle behaviors on telomere length in sperm and to follow the correlation with pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this prospective observational study, sperm was analyzed for telomere length (TL). Men were asked to report lifestyle behaviors including occupation (physical or sedentary), smoking duration and amount, physical activity, dietary habits, and where they keep their cellular phone (bag, pants, or shirt pocket). Correlations among semen analysis, TL, men's habits, and embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. Among 34 patients recruited, 12 had longer TL and 13 shorter TL. Sperm motility was negatively correlated with TL (Pearson correlation = -.588, p = .002). Smoking adversely affected native sperm motility (53% motility in nonsmokers vs. 37% in smokers; p = .006). However, there was no significant impact on TL. The group with longer telomeres demonstrated significant association with healthy diet (10/12 vs. 6/13; p = .05) and a trend toward more sports activity, weekly (16/84 vs. 7/91; p = .04) compared with the shorter telomeres group. This study suggests that lifestyle, healthy diet, and sports activity are associated with long telomeres in sperm. Sperm quality is also influenced by patients' habits. The study strongly recommends maintaining a healthy lifestyle to preserve general health and fertility.

Running exercise training-induced impact on oxidative stress and mitochondria-related apoptosis in rat's testicles

The current study has been designed to explore the effects of running exercise training protocols (ETPs), with different intensities, on testicular redox and antioxidant capacities. Moreover, the crosstalk between oxidative stress (OS) and mitochondria-related apoptosis was analysed. To this end, 24 Wistar rats were subdivided into sedentary control, low- (LICT), moderate- (MICT), and high (HICT)-intensity continuous running ETP groups. Following 8 weeks, the Johnsen score, sperm count, testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) content, total oxidant status (TOS), and redox biomarkers, including glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels were evaluated. Additionally, the expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, proteins involving in the mitochondria-related apoptosis, and the apoptotic index were analysed. The LICT and MICT running ETPs did not affect the spermatogenesis development, sperm count, and antioxidant and redox capacities. Accordingly, no significant changes were revealed in Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 expression levels and apoptosis index compared to sedentary rats. In contrast, the HICT-induced rats showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in spermatogenesis development, sperm count, antioxidant and redox capacities versus control, LICT, and MICT groups. Moreover, the expression of Bcl-2 was decreased, while the Bax and caspase-3 expression levels were increased in the HICT-induced group. Finally, the apoptosis index was increased in the HICT group. In conclusion, the suppressed redox system after HICT can trigger the mitochondria-mediated ROS overload, result in OS condition in the testicular tissue, and reversely target the mitochondrial membrane permeability. All of these molecular alterations are suspected to initiate progressive mitochondria-related apoptosis after HICT.

Physical activity and sperm quality: influence in sperm donors

PURPOSE

To ascertain whether physical activity (PA) is associated with better sperm quality in sperm donors.

METHODS

A prospective case-control study was designed in an IVF center setting. A total of 207 sperm donation candidates from a relatively small geographical area were included in the study with no intervention. Donor candidates were subjected to conventional sperm analysis according to WHO criteria. Moreover, they answered a standardized questionnaire regarding their last week PA (IPAQ), with PA expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs)-min/week. Donors were classified into 4 groups: low, moderate, high and very high PA. Specific sports were included in the questionnaire. Semen samples from 43 accepted donors were used in artificial insemination by donor (AID) and IVF. The fertilization rates (FR) and pregnancy rates (PR) were studied.

RESULTS

Semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive spermatozoa, non-progressive spermatozoa, total motile progressive spermatozoa and sperm morphology were similar in the four PA groups. No correlation between various semen parameters studied and METs was found. Running or cycling > 1 h/week did not influence sperm parameters. The AID PR was similar in the different PA groups. However, in IVF the mean donor FR was significantly higher in the high PA group and in the very high PA group.

CONCLUSIONS

No detrimental effect was associated with PA, or even very high PA, regarding conventional sperm parameters. Moreover, a better FR was associated with high and very high PA in IVF cycles, which merits more studies.

Influence of physical activity on male fertility

Infertility is a worldwide issue impacting 15% of couples' population. Male-related infertility results in almost 50% of these cases. Considering lifestyle factors associated with infertility, here in this literature review article, we aimed to discuss training/sport effects on male-related infertility. Regarding this issue, human and animal model studies related to the subject were gathered and analysed. Exercise is well known as a general improving factor, however, excessive exercise can result in male infertility due to reduced hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPT) function, increased oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Consequently, these underlying impacts result in a low testosterone production, and reduced semen quality, and can lead to infertility. In contrast, it has been revealed that exercise can improve male fertility status in lifestyle-induced infertility condition such as obesity and diabetes. Indeed, exercise, by increasing testicular antioxidant defence, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines level and enhancing the steroidogenesis process, leads to improved spermatogenesis and semen quality in lifestyle-induced infertility. In fact, it seems that individual health status as well as exercise volume, intensity and duration are effective-involved co-factors that influence the impact that exercise will promote on male fertility. Regarding these findings, it is important to study exercise different impacts in further clinical trials in order to generate preservative guidelines for exercise and also considering exercise as a treatment option in lifestyle-induced disease management.

Environmental factors in declining human fertility

A severe decline in child births has occurred over the past half century, which will lead to considerable population declines, particularly in industrialized regions. A crucial question is whether this decline can be explained by economic and behavioural factors alone, as suggested by demographic reports, or to what degree biological factors are also involved. Here, we discuss data suggesting that human reproductive health is deteriorating in industrialized regions. Widespread infertility and the need for assisted reproduction due to poor semen quality and/or oocyte failure are now major health issues. Other indicators of declining reproductive health include a worldwide increasing incidence in testicular cancer among young men and alterations in twinning frequency. There is also evidence of a parallel decline in rates of legal abortions, revealing a deterioration in total conception rates. Subtle alterations in fertility rates were already visible around 1900, and most industrialized regions now have rates below levels required to sustain their populations. We hypothesize that these reproductive health problems are partially linked to increasing human exposures to chemicals originating directly or indirectly from fossil fuels. If the current infertility epidemic is indeed linked to such exposures, decisive regulatory action underpinned by unconventional, interdisciplinary research collaborations will be needed to reverse the trends.

Andrological Aspects of Exercise: Moderate Swimming Protects against Isoproterenol Induced Testis and Semen Abnormalities in Rats

The development and progression of male infertility are closely linked to a sedentary lifestyle; however, its underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Our aim was to assess the protective effects of moderate swimming exercise on the male reproductive system in isoproterenol-treated rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups as follows: (1) non-interventional controls (CTRL), (2) isoproterenol-treated (ISO), (3) pre-treatment swimming training + ISO (PRE + ISO), (4) ISO + post-treatment swimming training (ISO+POST), (5) pre-treatment swimming training + ISO + post-treatment swimming training (PRE + ISO + POST) groups. Testicular oxidative stress was induced by ISO injection (1.0 mg/kg). Rats in the pre- or post-training groups were trained five days a week. At the end of the experimental period, serum testosterone levels, sperms’ hyaluronan binding, and total glutathione (GSH) content, as well as myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), TNF alpha and IL6 concentrations in the testis and semen, were measured. Serum testosterone levels, sperms’ hyaluronan binding, and GSH content were found to be significantly reduced, while MPO, TNF alpha and IL6 concentrations in the testis and semen were elevated after the ISO treatment compared to the CTRL group. Moderate-intensity swimming exercise effectively alleviated the negative effects of high oxidative stress. Our findings provide the first evidence that moderate-intensity swimming exercise confers sustained protection from isoproterenol-induced adverse effects on testicular inflammation.

Irisin Improves High-Fat Diet-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Obese Male Rats

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is known to cause sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction and poor semen quality. Lifestyle modifications such as exercise have increasingly been more recognized to lower the likelihood of having sexual dysfunction or infertility in obese men. In this context, as an exercise-mimetic hormone, irisin has a potential to improve obesity-related reproductive dysfunctions. We aimed to elucidate possible effects of irisin on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced reproductive dysfunction in obese male rats.

METHODS

Rats were divided into four groups: vehicle, irisin, obese, and obese + irisin. The rats in obese and obese+irisin groups were fed with HFD (60% kcal fat) pellets for 12 weeks to induce obesity, and then obesity-induced sexual dysfunction was confirmed by the sexual behavior test (SBT). Irisin and obese+irisin groups received irisin (100 ng/kg/day) infusion by an s.c. osmotic minipump for 4 weeks after HFD-induced obesity was formed.

RESULTS

Irisin did improve a number of measures of copulation, including penile erection, ejaculation, and sexual performance, and also improved sperm morphology and motility and decreased fat-induced testicular damage. It decreased serum leptin levels. On the other hand, irisin did not affect serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone. It also increased gene expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and adrenoceptor alpha 1A (ADRA1A) in the medial preoptic area (mPOA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc).

CONCLUSION

Irisin provided a marked enhancement of HFD-induced decrease in libido, potency, sexual performance, and erection in SBT. Taken together, our results emphasize that irisin has a restorative and improver role in HFD-induced reproductive dysfunctions in obese male rats.

Small RNA perspective of physical exercise-related improvement of male reproductive dysfunction due to obesity

PURPOSE

To study whether physical exercise can effectively ameliorate obesity-induced abnormalities in male fertility and provide a new perspective on the role of small noncoding RNAs in spermatogenesis in obese male mice.

METHODS

In this study, four-week-old C57/Bl6 male mice were randomly allocated to receive a control diet, a high-fat diet or physical exercise intervention for 40 weeks. Purified round spermatids and spermatozoa were obtained after intervention. Sperm motility, concentration, the ability of the sperm to undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction were assessed. Small RNA sequencing was conducted on round spermatids and spermatozoa. The small noncoding RNAs expression pattern was systematically analyzed.

RESULTS

The spermatozoa concentration and percentage of motile spermatozoa, the capacitation and acrosome reaction, and the reproductive success rate, including mating success and pregnancy success, were decreased or delayed in the obesity group compared with controls. Physical exercise was able to restore the parameters to normal levels. Three microRNAs were consistently upregulated and 5 were downregulated in round spermatids and epididymal spermatozoa between the obesity and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This report provides evidence that the adverse effects of obesity could be offset after physical exercise. small noncoding RNAs, especially microRNAs in germ cells, may play an important role in the effects of obesity and physical exercise on spermatozoa.

Influence of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption on Antioxidant Status and Semen Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study in Adult Men

The influence of fruit and vegetable consumption on semen quality by reducing oxidative stress is inconsistent. Thus, the association between the consumption of these products, antioxidant status, and semen quality was investigated in 90 men aged 18–40. The consumption of fruit and vegetables was collected using the 3-day food record method. Antioxidant status: total antioxidant capacity in semen (TAC-s) and blood (TAC-b), blood superoxide dismutase (SOD-b), glutathione reductase (GR-b), glutathione peroxidase (GPx-b), catalase (CAT-b) activity, and malondialdehyde concentration in blood (MDA-b) were measured. Sperm concentration, leukocytes in the ejaculate, vitality, motility, and sperm morphology were examined using computer-aided semen analysis (CASA). The consumption of fruit and vegetables was positively correlated with sperm concentration, vitality, motility, TAC-s, TAC-b, and SOD-b activity. The TAC-s and TAC-b were positively related to motility, TAC-s was inversely correlated with sperm tail defects. The SOD-b activity was positively correlated with vitality, motility, sperm morphology, and inversely with sperm tail defects and leukocytes in the ejaculate. Compared to the men in the first quartile of fruit and vegetable consumption (<318 g/day), those in the highest quartile (>734 g/day) had the highest sperm concentration, vitality, motility, TAC-s, TAC-b, GPx-b activity, and the lowest MDA-b concentration (based on multivariate regression models). A high consumption of fruit and vegetables may positively influence selected sperm quality parameters by improving the antioxidant status of semen and blood.

Moderate-Intensity Exercise Training in Association with Insulin Promotes Heat Shock Proteins 70 and 90 Expressions in Testicular Tissue of Experimental Type 1 Diabetes

Objective

The current research was designed to analyze the effect of moderate-intensity exercise training (MEXT), solely and simultaneous with insulin, on the network between oxidative stress and Hsp70 and Hsp90 chaperones after experimental type I diabetes (DM) induction in rats.

Materials and Methods

In the experimental study, 36 mature Wistar rats were assigned into control and experimental type I DM-induced groups, and then the diabetic animals were categorized to sedentary type I DM-induced (SDM), exercise training-sole without DM (E), exercise training DM-induced (EDM), insulin-treated sedentary DM-induced (ISDM), and exercise training insulin-treated DM-induced (EIDM) groups. After 6 weeks, Johnson’s score was evaluated to analyze the spermatogenesis ratio.

Results

The Hsp70 and Hsp90 expression levels, testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC), protein peroxidation ratio, testicular DNA fragmentation ratio, and mRNA damage were investigated. The animals in EDM and EIDM groups (solely and simultaneously) represented a significant (P<0.05) improvement in Johnson’s score, spermatogenesis, and TAC ratios versus SDM animals. Moreover, the DM-induced DNA and mRNA damage and protein peroxidation ratio were significantly (P<0.05) recovered in EDM and ISDM groups, which was more remarkable in the EIDM group. The EDM and EIDM groups exhibited significant (P<0.05) increment in Hsp70 and Hsp90 expression levels versus the control and SEDT1 animals. However, the EIDM group exhibited no significant changes compared to the control animals.

Conclusion

The EX could ameliorate the EDT1-induced detrimental impact by up-regulating Hsp70 and Hsp90 expressions. Meanwhile, it exerts potentially more effective impact, when it is considered simultaneously with insulin therapy.

Land use and semen quality: A fertility center cohort study

This study explored the association between built environment and semen parameters among men who sought fertility evaluation. We used a data of 5,886 men living in the Seoul capital area whose semen was tested at a single fertility center during 2016–2018. Distance to fresh water, the coast, major roadways, and neighborhood greenness measured by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were evaluated. Outcome indicators were semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage of progressive motility, vitality, normal morphology, and total motile sperm count. Linear regression models were fitted to standardized values of six semen indicators. Majority of men were white-collar, clerical, and service workers. Linear associations between built environment features and semen quality indicators were not evident except for NDVI within 500 m and sperm vitality (β = 0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.09). The 2^nd quartile of distance to fresh water was associated with lower progressive motility compared to the 1^st quartile (β = −0.10; 95% CI: −0.17, −0.03). Proportion of vitality was higher among men in the 2^nd quartile of distance to roadways than those in the 1^st quartile (0.08; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.15). Men in the 2^nd quartile of NDVI had higher total motile sperm count (0.09; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.17). In the multi-exposure model, the positive association between NDVI and vitality remained (0.03; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.06). We observed potential evidence regarding the impact of built environment on male fertility, specifically a positive association between residential greenness and sperm vitality among men with a history of infertility.

Interactive Effects of Unhealthy Lifestyle Behaviors on Testicular Function among Healthy Adult Men: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taiwan

Recently, the role of lifestyle factors in testicular function has developed into a growing area of interest. Based on cross-sectional data on 3283 Taiwanese men, we investigated whether interactive effects of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors were associated with testicular function. The men were recruited from a private screening institute between 2009 and 2015. Lifestyle behaviors (smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity (PA), sleeping habits, and diet) were obtained by a validated self-reported questionnaire. The men provided a semen sample and had blood drawn for sex hormone measurement. Men who smoked and drank had higher testosterone (T) levels (β = 0.81, p < 0.001) than those who neither smoked nor drank. Men who smoked and had high Western dietary pattern scores had higher T levels-by 0.38 ng/mL (p = 0.03). Those who drank and did not get enough sleep or had high Western dietary pattern scores had elevated T levels-by 0.60 ng/mL (p = 0.005) or 0.45 ng/mL (p = 0.02), respectively. Light PA and insomnia were associated with decreased T levels-by 0.64 ng/mL (p < 0.001). Those who smoked and drank or had light PA or had high Western dietary pattern scores had lower normal sperm morphologies (NSMs)-by 2.08%, 1.77%, and 2.29%, respectively. Moreover, drinkers who had high Western dietary pattern scores had higher sperm concentrations-by 4.63 M/mL (p = 0.04). Awareness and recognition of the long-term impact of lifestyle behaviors and better lifestyle choices may help to optimize the chance of conception amongst couples.

ROS and metabolomics-mediated autophagy in rat's testicular tissue alter after exercise training; Evidence for exercise intensity and outcomes

AIMS

Oxidative damage and altered metabolic reactions are suspected to initiate the autophagy. The exercise training significantly impacts testicular antioxidant and metabolic potentials. However, the underlying mechanism(s) that the exercise-induced alterations can affect the autophagy markers remained unknown. This study explored the effect of exercise training on antioxidant and metabolic statuses of testicular tissue and uncovered the possible cross-link between these statuses and autophagy-inducers expression.

MAIN METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into sedentary control, low (LICT), moderate (MICT), and high (HICT) intensity continuous training groups. Following 8 weeks of training, the testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), glutathione (GSH), and NADP⁺/NADPH as oxidative biomarkers along with intracytoplasmic carbohydrate and lipid droplet patterns, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and lactate as metabolic elements were assessed. Finally, the autophagy-inducers expression and sperm count were examined.

KEY FINDINGS

With no significant impact on the oxidative biomarkers and metabolic elements, the LICT and MICT groups exhibited statistically unremarkable (p < 0.05) impacts on spermatogenesis differentiation, spermiogenesis ratio, and sperm count while increased the autophagy-inducers expression. Reversely, the HICT group, simultaneous with suppressing the antioxidant biomarkers (TAC↓, GSH↓, TOS↑, NADP⁺/NADPH↑), significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the testicular LDH activity and lactate level, changed the intracytoplasmic carbohydrate and lipid droplet's pattern, and amplified the classical autophagy-inducers p62, Beclin-1, autophagy-related gene (ATG)-7, and light chain 3 (LC3)-II/I expression.

SIGNIFICANCE

The autophagy-inducers overexpression has occurred after HICT induction, most probably to eliminate the oxidative damage cargoes, while increased to maintain the metabolic homeostasis in the LICT and MICT groups.

Chronic exercise training attenuates prostate cancer-induced molecular remodelling in the testis

PURPOSE

Prostate cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death in males worldwide and, in addition to impairing prostate function, also causes testicular adaptations. In this study, we aim to investigate the preventive effect of exercise training on PCa-induced testicular dysfunction.

METHODS

As a model, we used fifty Wistar Unilever male rats, randomly divided in four experimental groups. Prostate cancer was chemically and hormonally induced in two groups of animals (PCa groups). One control group and one PCa group was submitted to moderate intensity treadmill exercise training. Fifty weeks after the start of the training the animals were sacrificed and sperm, prostate, testis and serum were collected and analyzed. Sperm concentration and morphology, and testosterone serum levels were determined. In addition, histological analyses of the testes were performed, and testis proteomes and metabolomes were characterized.

RESULTS

We found that prostate cancer negatively affected testicular function, manifested as an arrest of spermatogenesis. Oxidative stress-induced DNA damage, arising from reduced testis blood flow, may also contribute to apoptosis of germ cells and consequential spermatogenic impairment. Decreased utilization of the glycolytic pathway, increased metabolism of ketone bodies and the accumulation of branched chain amino acids were also evident in the PCa animals. Conversely, we found that the treadmill training regimen activated DNA repair mechanisms and counteracted several metabolic alterations caused by PCa without impact on oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings confirm a negative impact of prostate cancer on testis function and suggest a beneficial role for exercise training in the prevention of prostate cancer-induced testis dysfunction.

Physical Activity and Male Reproductive Function: A New Role for Gamete Mitochondria

Several studies demonstrated that some types of physical exercise might affect male reproductive potential, even though the potential mechanisms involved in the modulation of sperm quality remain poorly understood. Therefore, we propose a new role for gamete mitochondria as a key hub that coordinates molecular events related to the effects induced by physical exercise.

Physical and Sedentary Activities in Association with Reproductive Outcomes among Couples Seeking Infertility Treatment: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of physical activity (PA) with assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment and pregnancy outcomes among couples seeking infertility treatment.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was carried out among 128 infertile individuals (64 couples), entering the infertility clinic for ART procedures. Baseline PA (before entering any treatment) was assessed using accelerometry for both women and men. For every couple the infertility treatment outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

The couples that required invasive ART procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) spent less time in vigorous PA (-73 min/week per couple, woman + man) than those couples who became spontaneously pregnant after entering the study (p = 0.001). We observed no significant associations between the time spent in physical activities and positive pregnancy test or live birth.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results do not support a positive nor negative relation between the time the couples spent in physical activities and the chances of getting pregnant or having a baby among patients seeking infertility treatment. However, couples undergoing invasive ART procedures did less vigorous PA than couples that became spontaneously pregnant, suggesting that PA may interfere with their reproductive health.

Voluntary exercise improves sperm parameters in high fat diet receiving rats through alteration in testicular oxidative stress, mir-34a/SIRT1/p53 and apoptosis

OBJECTIVES

High fat diet can lead to testicular structural and functional disturbances, spermatogenesis disorders as well as infertility. So, the present investigation was proposed to clarify whether voluntary exercise could prevent high fat diet induced reproductive complications in rats through testicular stress oxidative and apoptosis.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups; control (C), voluntary exercise (VE), high fat diet (HFD) and high fat diet and voluntary exercise (VE + HFD) groups. The rats in the VE and VE + HFD groups were accommodated in apart cages that had running wheels and the running distance was assessed daily for 10 weeks. In VE + HFD group, animals were fed with HFD for five weeks before commencing exercise. The sperm parameters, the expressions of testicular miR-34a gene, and P53 and SIRT1 proteins as well as testicular apoptosis were analyzed in all groups.

RESULTS

The results indicated that voluntary exercise in VE + HFD group led to significantly increased GPX and SOD activities, SIRT1 protein expression, sperm parameters, and decreased the expression of miR34a gene and Acp53 protein, and cellular apoptosis index compared to HFD group (p<0.001 to p<0.05). The SOD and catalase activities, SIRT1 protein expression, sperm parameters in VE + HFD group were lower than of those of VE group, however, MDA content, expression of Acp53 protein, apoptosis indexes in VE + HFD group was higher than that of VE group (p<0.001 to p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that voluntary exercise improved spermatogenesis, in part by decreasing the testicular oxidative stress status, apoptosis through alteration in miR-34a/SIRT1/p53 pathway.

Male infertility due to testicular disorders

CONTEXT

Male infertility is defined as the inability to conceive following 1 year of regular unprotected intercourse. It is the causative factor in 50% of couples and a leading indication for assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Testicular failure is the most common cause of male infertility, yet the least studied to date.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The review is an evidence-based summary of male infertility due to testicular failure with a focus on etiology, clinical assessment, and current management approaches. PubMed-searched articles and relevant clinical guidelines were reviewed in detail.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS/RESULTS

Spermatogenesis is under multiple levels of regulation and novel molecular diagnostic tests of sperm function (reactive oxidative species and DNA fragmentation) have since been developed, and albeit currently remain as research tools. Several genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors provoking testicular failure have been elucidated during the last decade; nevertheless, 40% of cases are idiopathic, with novel monogenic genes linked in the etiopathogenesis. Microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) and hormonal stimulation with gonadotropins, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and aromatase inhibitors are recently developed therapeutic approaches for men with the most severe form of testicular failure, nonobstructive azoospermia. However, high-quality clinical trials data is currently lacking.

CONCLUSIONS

Male infertility due to testicular failure has traditionally been viewed as unmodifiable. In the absence of effective pharmacological therapies, delivery of lifestyle advice is a potentially important treatment option. Future research efforts are needed to determine unidentified factors causative in "idiopathic" male infertility and long-term follow-up studies of babies conceived through ART.

Voluntary exercise improves spermatogenesis and testicular apoptosis in type 2 diabetic rats through alteration in oxidative stress and mir-34a/SIRT1/p53 pathway

OBJECTIVES

This research was designed to demonstrate the impact of voluntary exercise on sperm parameters including sperm count, morphology, motility, viability, testicular apoptosis, oxidative stress, and the mir-34a/SIRT1/p53 pathway in type 2 diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

32 Wistar male rats were separated into four groups: control (C), voluntary exercise (VE), diabetic (D), and diabetic rats that performed voluntary exercise (VED). To induce diabetes, animals were injected with streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) after receiving a high-fat diet. The testicular protein levels of SIRT1 and P53, miR-34a expression, MDA, GPx, SOD, catalase, and sperm parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

Diabetes caused increased testicular MDA content, miR-34a expression, acetylated p53 protein expression, and the percent of immotile sperm (P<0.01 to P<0.001) as well as reduced testicular GPx, SOD and catalase activities, SIRT1 protein expression, and sperm parameters (P<0.05 to P<0.001). Voluntary exercise reduced testicular MDA content, miR-34a, and acetylated p53 protein expression compared with the D group (P<0.001), however, GPx, SOD, catalase activities, and sperm parameters in voluntarily exercised rats were elevated compared with diabetic rats (P<0.05 to P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

It seems that voluntary exercise has significant positive impacts that can be employed to reduce the complications of type 2 diabetes in the testis of male rats.

Pretreatment maternal lifestyle and outcomes of assisted reproduction: an Italian cohort study

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether lifestyle affects assisted reproduction technology (ART) outcomes.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

Italian fertility unit.

PARTICIPANTS

From September 2014 to December 2016, women from couples presenting for evaluation and eligible for ART were invited to participate. Information on alcohol intake, current smoking and leisure physical activity (PA) during the year before the interview was collected, using a structured questionnaire. We considered the ART outcomes of the cycle immediately following the interview.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was cumulative pregnancy rate per retrieval. Secondary measures were number of retrieved oocytes, embryo transfer and live birth.

RESULTS

In 492 women undergoing an ART cycle, 427 (86.8%) underwent embryo transfer, 157 (31.9%) had at least one clinical pregnancy and 121 (24.6%) had live birth. The cumulative pregnancy rate per retrieval was 33.3% (95% CI 28.5% to 38.7%). In women in the third tertile of alcohol intake, adjusted relative risk was 0.97 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.08), 0.90 (95% CI 0.62 to 1.30) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.57 to 1.37) for embryo transfer, clinical pregnancy and live birth, respectively. The corresponding figures in women currently smoking more than 5 cigarettes/day were 1.00 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.16), 0.94 (95% CI 0.60 to 1.48) and 1.14 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.90), and in women with PA ≥5 hours/week were 0.93 (95% CI 0.79 to 1.08), 0.44 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.90) and 0.48 (95% CI 0.22 to 1.05), respectively.

CONCLUSION

There were no significant differences in in vitro fertilisation outcomes among women who used alcohol or tobacco in the year prior to treatment. Conservatively, all women should be advised to limit substance abuse. Moreover, our study suggested that maintaining a moderate, but not high, level of PA could be beneficial.

Endogenous transient doping: physical exercise acutely increases testosterone levels-results from a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Although endogenous testosterone levels are demonstrated to be affected by both acute exercise and resistance training, the dynamic regulation of androgen production after physical activity is still a matter of debate. This meta-analysis was designed to assess whether physical exercise acutely affects testosterone levels in men.

METHODS

The literature search was conducted to identify longitudinal trials evaluating the acute change of both total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone (fT) after physical activity in adult men. Sensitivity analyses were performed considering the sample collected (blood or saliva), the intensity of the physical exercise and the interval between the end of the exercise and the sample collection.

RESULTS

Forty-eight studies were included in the analysis, accounting for 126 trials. A total of 569 patients were enrolled (mean age 29.7 ± 13.1 years). The physical activity increased acutely TT (standardized mean difference 0.74, 95%CI: 0.56, 0.91 nmol/L), considering both serum and saliva samples (p < 0.001). Testosterone increased after moderate (p < 0.001) and high-intensity (p < 0.001) exercises, but not after mild physical activity (p = 0.19). Moreover, the testosterone increase was evident when measured immediately at the end of the exercise and within 30 min (p < 0.001), but not after 30 min (p = 0.930). Similar significant results were obtained considering fT, while SHBG did not change after physical activity (p = 0.090).

CONCLUSION

The comprehensive evaluation of the acute physical activity effect on testosterone levels identified a clear increase after exercise, irrespective of the sample collected. The main determinant of this fluctuation was the exercise intensity, with a mechanism that seems to be mostly SHBG independent. In particular, moderate/intense physical activity resulted able to increase endogenous androgenic production, albeit acutely and transitory.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO registration ID: 157348.

Physical activity and sedentary time in relation to semen quality in healthy men screened as potential sperm donors

STUDY QUESTION

Is physical activity or sedentary time associated with semen quality parameters?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Among healthy men screened as potential sperm donors, higher self-reported physical activity was associated with increased progressive and total sperm motility.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Despite the claimed beneficial effect of moderate physical activity on semen quality, results from epidemiological studies have been inconclusive. Previous studies were mostly conducted among endurance athletes or male partners of couples who sought infertility treatment.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Healthy men screened as potential sperm donors were recruited at the Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank of China. Between April 2017 and July 2018; 746 men completed the long-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and provided repeated semen samples (n = 5252) during an approximately 6-month period.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Total metabolic equivalents (METs), moderate-to-vigorous METs and sedentary time were abstracted from the IPAQ. Sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility and total motility in repeated specimens were determined by trained clinical technicians. Mixed-effect models were applied to investigate the relationships between physical activity and sedentary time and repeated measures of semen quality parameters.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

After adjusting for multiple confounders, total METs and moderate-to-vigorous METs were both positively associated with progressive and total sperm motility. Compared with men in the lowest quartiles, those in the highest quartiles of total and moderate-to-vigorous METs had increased progressive motility of 16.1% (95% CI: 6.4, 26.8%) and 17.3% (95% CI: 7.5, 27.9%), respectively, and had increased total motility of 15.2% (95% CI: 6.2, 24.9%) and 16.4% (95% CI: 7.4, 26.1%), respectively. Sedentary time was not associated with semen quality parameters.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The IPAQ was reported only once from study participants; measurement errors were inevitable and may have biased our results. Furthermore, although we have adjusted for various potential confounders, the possibility of unmeasured confounding cannot be fully ruled out.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our findings suggest that maintaining regular exercise may improve semen quality parameters among healthy, non-infertile men. Specifically, we found that higher self-reported total and moderate-to-vigorous METs were associated with improved sperm motility, which reinforces the existing evidence that physical activity may improve male reproductive health.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Y.-X.W was supported by the Initiative Postdocs Supporting Program (No. BX201700087). A.P. was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFC0907504). C.-L.X. was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFC1000206). The authors report no conflicts of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

The association between guideline-based exercise thresholds and low testosterone among men in the United States

BACKGROUND

Exercise and weight loss have been shown to improve serum testosterone (T) in obese individuals. However, the association between low T levels and guideline-based exercise thresholds has not been determined.

OBJECTIVE

Using the recently updated Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee (PAGAC) recommendations, we sought to investigate the relationship between recommended activity levels and the prevalence of low T levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used to identify men ages 18 to 80 years who answered the physical activity questionnaire and underwent serum T testing. Men were categorized based on PAGAC activity level: less than recommended, recommended and greater than recommended. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine the association between low T (<300 ng/dL) and activity level across body mass index (BMI) categories while adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Of the 7372 men who met the inclusion criteria, the majority (4372, 59.3%) exceeded the recommended amount of activity, whereas only 2326 (31.6%) exercised less than the recommended amount. On multivariable analysis, obese men whose activity exceeded the recommended amount were less likely to have low T (OR 0.523, 95% CI 0.409-0.669, P < .001) compared with men who did not meet the recommended activity level.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Using a large, nationally representative cohort, we demonstrated that obese men whose activity exceeded PAGAC recommendations had a decreased likelihood of having low T levels. Given the numerous benefits of exercise, these data provide a basis for counseling obese patients regarding the association between exercise and decreased prevalence of low T.

No relationship between the digit ratios (2D:4D) and salivary testosterone change: Study on men under an acute exercise

The digit ratio (2D:4D) is said to be a potential marker of exposure to prenatal sex steroids. Some studies suggest that the 2D:4D is also linked with the testosterone response to challenging situations due to organizational effect of prenatal hormonal milieu on adult endocrine functioning. However, up to date, there were only four studies (conducted on small samples) that examined the 2D:4D and the testosterone response to a challenging situation (i.e. physical exertion or aggressive context). Here, we examined the relationship between the 2D:4D and the testosterone change under an acute exercise among 97 men. We found that the digit ratios (the right 2D:4D, the left 2D:4D, and the right minus left 2D:4D) were neither predictors of pre-exercise testosterone, nor the change in testosterone level after a cycling task. Our results add a contradictory to previous studies evidence in a discussion on the links of the 2D:4D and the testosterone change.

The effect of underweight on female and male reproduction

Chronic energy deficiency can impair the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and lead to hypothalamic anovulation in underweight women. This review presents the syndromes related to underweight status that are associated with infertility, summarizes the underlying mechanisms, and reviews the available treatment options. Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa (AN), constitute the most common cause of infertility in underweight women, who, in addition, experience miscarriages, and sexual dysfunction. The relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S; former terminology: athlete's triad) involves menstrual dysfunction due to low energy availability, which results in anovulation. Moreover, lipodystrophies, malnutrition, starvation, systematic illnesses (malignancies, endocrinopathies, infectious diseases, advanced chronic diseases, neurologic illnesses), and the utilization of drugs can cause excessive weight loss. They may result in fertility problems due to the loss of adipose tissue and the subsequent hormonal disturbances. Each of these conditions requires multidisciplinary management. Nutritional counseling should target the restoration of energy balance by increasing intake and reducing output. Medical treatment, recommended only for patients who did not respond to standard treatment, may include antipsychotics, antidepressants, or leptin administration. Finally, psychiatric treatment is considered an integral part of the standard treatment.

Oxidative Stress in Male Infertility: Causes, Effects in Assisted Reproductive Techniques, and Protective Support of Antioxidants

The spermatozoon is a highly specialized cell, whose main function is the transport of the intact male genetic material into the oocyte. During its formation and transit throughout male and female reproductive tracts, sperm cells are internally and externally surrounded by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are produced from both endogenous and exogenous sources. While low amounts of ROS are known to be necessary for crucial physiological sperm processes, such as acrosome reaction and sperm-oocyte interaction, high levels of those species underlie misbalanced antioxidant-oxidant molecules, generating oxidative stress (OS), which is one of the most damaging factors that affect sperm function and lower male fertility potential. The present work starts by reviewing the different sources of oxidative stress that affect sperm cells, continues by summarizing the detrimental effects of OS on the male germline, and discusses previous studies addressing the consequences of these detrimental effects on natural pregnancy and assisted reproductive techniques effectiveness. The last section is focused on how antioxidants can counteract the effects of ROS and how sperm fertilizing ability may benefit from these agents.

The effect of modifiable lifestyle factors on semen quality

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between lifestyle factors (body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, coffee intake, physical activity, sauna and cell phone usage, wearing tight-fitting underwear), and conventional semen parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1311 participants who attended the Andrology Clinic were included in the study. All participants were separated into two groups as men with normozoospermia and dysspermia. All participants answered a questionnaire which contains questions about the modifiable lifestyle factors. The total risk scores were calculated after all the positive lifestyle factors had been counted.

RESULTS

Men with normozoospermia and dysspermia consisted of 852 (65.0%) and 459 (35.0%) participants respectively. A negative relationship between the wearing of tight underwear and having normal semen parameters was detected between the two groups (p=0.004). While going to a sauna regularly was negatively related to semen concentration, wearing tight underwear was also related to both lower motility, normal morphology as well as semen concentration (p<0.05). While the total score of all participants was 5.22±1.34 point, there were no statistical differences between the two groups (p=0.332). It was found that having 3 more or fewer points was not related to any type of semen parameters and results of a spermiogram.

CONCLUSION

The clinicians should give advice to infertile male patients about changing their risky lifestyle, for infertility, to a healthy lifestyle for fertility. Better designed studies, with larger sample sizes using conventional semen analysis with sperm DNA analysis methods, should be planned to identify the possible effects of lifestyle factors on semen quality.

Association of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, Physical Activity, and Their Combination with Semen Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study

The influence of individual lifestyle factors is widely described in studies on semen quality. However, their synergistic effect is often neglected. The aim of the study was to examine the association between semen quality and dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet, physical activity (PA), and the two separately and in combination. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 207 men aged 20–55. Dietary data were collected by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and analysed according to the DASH scoring index. Physical activity was evaluated by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Semen parameters were assessed via the computer-aided semen analysis (CASA). Adherence to the DASH diet was associated with higher sperm count (Δ_T3-T1 = 82.1 mln/ej) and concentration (Δ_T3-T1 = 24.6 mln/mL). Higher PA was related to higher sperm count (Δ_T3-T1 = 69.4 mln/ej), total (Δ_T3-T1 = 11.9%), and progressive motility (Δ_T3-T1 = 8.5%) and morphology (Δ_T3-T1 = 2.8%) in the crude model and remained significant after adjustment. The combination of the DASH diet and PA, was significantly positively associated with sperm count (Δ_T3-T1 = 98.1 mln/ej), sperm concentration (Δ_T3-T1 = 17.5 mln/mL), total (Δ_T3-T1 = 11.8%), and progressive motility (Δ_T3-T1 = 10.0%) and morphology (Δ_T3-T1 = 3.3%) in both models. Adherence to the DASH diet was related to higher sperm count and concentration, whereas after its combination with physical activity it was also positively correlated with sperm motility and morphology.

Variance in Stallion Semen Quality among Equestrian Sporting Disciplines and Competition Levels

Simple Summary

Despite the increased demand for breeding stallions to be performing at elite levels of competition, little research has been conducted into how equestrian disciplines and competition level affect seminal quality. Using statistical analysis, we found that competing stallions have lower quality semen than non-competing stallions and competitive activity may have a greater negative impact on spermatogenesis than age. In addition, dressage stallions recorded improved semen characteristics when compared to show jumping and eventing stallions. Stallions at elite levels of competition recorded higher total sperm count and progressive motility compared to those competing at lower levels of competition. We suggest that appropriate management of the competition stallion may reduce the negative impacts which exercise can induce on semen quality.

Abstract

Most stallions within breeding programmes are expected to breed and compete concurrently. The exercising of stallions with regards to training regimes during the breeding season is a controversial subject. Daily exercise at low intensities is important for the mental and reproductive well-being of the stallion, however higher intensities of exercise, as seen in competing stallions, may have detrimental effects on seminal quality. To calculate if competition does affect semen quality, this study investigated the effect that equestrian discipline and timing of competition had on a range of stallion semen characteristics. This was a retrospective study that evaluated the seminal data of 1130 stallion semen collections from two UK based stud farms between 2009 and 2016. Competing stallion semen quality was significantly lower with regards to concentration (p < 0.05) and progressive motility (p < 0.05) than non-competing stallions. Semen volume was higher in competing stallions (p < 0.05) than non-competing stallions. There was a significant difference in seminal attributes among disciplines and competition levels (p < 0.05). The difference in semen quality among competing and non-competing stallions, as well as the difference among disciplines suggests endocrinological and physiological changes occur in relation to training intensity and competition.

The effect of prescribed exercise volume on biomarkers of chronic stress in postmenopausal women: Results from the Breast Cancer and Exercise Trial in Alberta (BETA)

There is epidemiologic and biologic evidence for a role of stress in breast cancer etiology and physical activity mitigates the negative effects of stress. We examined the potential for a dose-response relationship between two volumes of aerobic exercise and biomarkers of chronic stress in post-menopausal women. The Breast Cancer and Exercise Trial in Alberta is a randomized controlled trial with post-menopausal women randomized to either a MODERATE (150 min per week) or HIGH (300 min per week) volume of exercise over a one year intervention period. Fasting serum concentrations of cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone and 11-deoxycortisol at baseline, 12 months (the end of the intervention), and 24 months. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed using general linear models, adjusted for baseline biomarker concentrations. There were modest but non-statistically significant decreases in cortisol (HIGH: −4%, 95% CI: −7%, 2%; MODERATE: −1%, 95%: CI: −14%, 4%) and corticosterone (HIGH: −4%, 95% CI: −12%, 6%; MODERATE: −5%, 95% CI: −14%, 4%) concentrations for both exercise groups between baseline and 12 months, and no difference in cortisone concentrations. Intention-to-treat analysis of 386 (97%) participants showed no statistically significant group differences for changes in biomarker levels at 12 months. Between baseline and 12 months, there were no differences in cortisol or cortisone and, at 24 months all stress hormone levels increased to near-baseline levels with no significant differences between the two intervention groups.

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There is evidence for a role of stress in the development of breast cancer.

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Physical activity has been shown to lower levels of stress hormones.

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Currently no evidence for a dose-response relationship

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Volume of physical activity had no impact on levels of stress hormones.

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All stress hormone returned to baseline levels 12-months following intervention.

Sedentary behavior, physical inactivity and body composition in relation to idiopathic infertility among men and women

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior have inconsistent effects on fertility. High body mass index is associated with infertility but to our knowledge, very few studies have explored body composition in association to fertility.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, body composition and idiopathic infertility in French men and women.

DESIGN

We conducted a case-control multicentric observational study. 159 infertile (79 men and 80 women) and 143 fertile (72 men and 71 women) were recorded in four fertility centers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants completed self-administered questionnaires on sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, dietary intake, physical activity and sedentary behavior. Anthropometrics were measured, and bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to estimate body composition. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the association of fertility with PA level and sedentary behavior.

RESULTS

In men, being physically inactive (Odd ratio [OR] 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06, 4.58) and having fat mass greater than the reference values for their age (OR 2.83; 95%CI, 1.31, 6.10) were positively associated with infertility. Sedentary behavior and fat-free mass were not related to infertility in men. In women, sedentary behavior (OR 3.61; 95%CI, 1.58, 8.24), high body fat (OR 3.16; 95%CI, 1.36, 7.37) and low fat-free mass (OR 2.65; 95%CI, 1.10, 6.37) were associated with infertility. PA level was not associated with fertility in women.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that sedentary behavior and physical inactivity would represent two independent risk factors associated with infertility. The various elements that make up physical activity (frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise) and the interrupting time spent sitting should be considered. Body composition variation should be explored further in relation to the biological pathways involved in idiopathic infertility. Moreover, the improvement of lifestyle factors should be considered in infertility treatment.

Lifestyle and fertility: the influence of stress and quality of life on male fertility

BACKGROUND

Male infertility is a widespread condition among couples. In about 50% of cases, couple infertility is attributable to the male partner, mainly due to a failure in spermatogenesis. In recent times, the crucial role that modifiable lifestyle factors play in the development of infertility have generated a growing interest in this field of study, i.e. aging, psychological stress, nutrition, physical activity, caffeine, high scrotal temperature, hot water, mobile telephone use. Several studies have investigated associations between semen quality and the presence of lifestyle stressors i.e. occupational, life events (war, earthquake, etc.) or couple infertility; overall, these studies provide evidence that semen quality is impaired by psychological stress. In this review, we will discuss the impact of quality of life (modifiable lifestyle factors) and psychological stress on male fertility. In addition, the role that increased scrotal temperature along with inappropriate nutritional and physical exercise attitudes exert on male fertility will be presented.

CONCLUSION

The decline of male fertility, particularly associated with advancing age, incorrect lifestyles and environmental factors plays an important role on natality, and its consequences on the future on human population makes this an important public health issue in this century. Thus, modification of lifestyle through a structured program of educational, environmental, nutritional/physical exercise and psychological support, combined with the use of nutraceutical antioxidants can prevent infertility and therefore, may help couples to obtain better quality of life and improved possibility to conceive spontaneously or optimize their chances of conception.

Sport, doping and male fertility

It is universally accepted that lifestyle interventions are the first step towards a good overall, reproductive and sexual health. Cessation of unhealthy habits, such as tobacco, alcohol and drug use, poor nutrition and sedentary behavior, is suggested in order to preserve/improve fertility in humans. However, the possible risks of physical exercise per se or sports on male fertility are less known. Being "fit" does not only improve the sense of well-being, but also has beneficial effects on general health: in fact physical exercise is by all means a low-cost, high-efficacy method for preventing or treating several conditions, ranging from purely physical (diabetes and obesity) to psychological (depression and anxiety), highly influencing male reproduction. If male sexual and reproductive health could be positively affected by a proper physical activity, inadequate bouts of strength - both excessive intensity and duration of exercise training - are more likely to have detrimental effects. In addition, the illicit use of prohibited drugs (i.e. doping) has reached pandemic proportions, and their actions, unfortunately very often underestimated by both amateur and professional athletes, are known to disrupt at different levels and throughout various mechanisms the male hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, resulting in hypogonadism and infertility.

Reactive oxygen species and male reproductive hormones

Reports of the increasing incidence of male infertility paired with decreasing semen quality have triggered studies on the effects of lifestyle and environmental factors on the male reproductive potential. There are numerous exogenous and endogenous factors that are able to induce excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) beyond that of cellular antioxidant capacity, thus causing oxidative stress. In turn, oxidative stress negatively affects male reproductive functions and may induce infertility either directly or indirectly by affecting the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and/or disrupting its crosstalk with other hormonal axes. This review discusses the important exogenous and endogenous factors leading to the generation of ROS in different parts of the male reproductive tract. It also highlights the negative impact of oxidative stress on the regulation and cross-talk between the reproductive hormones. It further describes the mechanism of ROS-induced derangement of male reproductive hormonal profiles that could ultimately lead to male infertility. An understanding of the disruptive effects of ROS on male reproductive hormones would encourage further investigations directed towards the prevention of ROS-mediated hormonal imbalances, which in turn could help in the management of male infertility.