Obesity and female infertility

Exposure to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene impacts ovarian DNA damage sensing and repair proteins differently in lean and obese female mice and weight loss may mitigate obesity-induced ovarian dysfunction

Obesity impairs oocyte quality, fertility, pregnancy maintenance, and is associated with offspring birth defects. The model ovotoxicant, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), causes ovarian DNA damage and follicle loss. Both DMBA-induced chemical biotransformation and the DNA damage response are partially attenuated in obese relative to lean female mice but whether weight loss could improve the DNA damage response to DMBA exposure has not been explored. Thus, at six weeks of age, C57BL/6 J female mice were divided in three groups: 1) Lean (L; n = 20) fed a chow diet for 12 weeks, 2) obese (O; n = 20) fed a high fat high sugar (HFHS) diet for 12 weeks and, 3) slim-down (S; n = 20). The S group was fed with HFHS diet for 7 weeks until attaining a higher body relative to L mice on week 7.5 and switched to a chow diet for 5 weeks to achieve weight loss. Mice then received either corn oil (CT) or DMBA (D; 1 mg/kg) for 7 d via intraperitoneal injection (n = 10/treatment). Obesity increased (P < 0.05) kidney and spleen weight, and DMBA decreased uterine weight (P < 0.05). Ovarian weight was reduced (P < 0.05) in S mice, but DMBA exposure increased ovary weight in the S mice. LC-MS/MS identified 18, 64, and 7 ovarian proteins as altered (P < 0.05) by DMBA in the L, S and O groups, respectively. In S and O mice, 24 and 8 proteins differed, respectively, from L mice. These findings support weight loss as a strategy to modulate the ovarian genotoxicant response.

Obesity and its impact on female reproductive health: unraveling the connections

In the modern era, the escalating global prevalence of obesity has profound implications on female reproductive health. Obesity, transcending mere lifestyle choices, has evolved into a complex disorder affecting physiological and metabolic functions. Concurrently, female infertility is rising as a significant global health issue. Obesity, with its extensive systemic effects, is pinpointed as a major disruptor. The convergence of these health challenges reveals a multifaceted scenario: on one hand, obesity directly impacts female reproductive health, particularly in the context of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menstrual disturbances; on the other, the psychosocial consequences of infertility might intensify weight-gain patterns, forming a challenging cycle. Additionally, the economic implications of treating obesity-related infertility are considerable. This review delves into the myriad ways obesity affects female reproductive health, drawing insights from epidemiological, clinical, and molecular studies. It explores the epidemiological relationship between obesity and PCOS, the influence of obesity on menstrual disturbances, and the broader impact of obesity on female infertility. Weight loss, through pharmacological interventions, surgical methods, or lifestyle adjustments, emerges as a promising strategy. Lastly, the efficacy of assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF, is influenced by obesity, underscoring the importance of an optimal body mass index. The review also highlights the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying the impact of obesity on female reproductive health, including the disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis, altered adipokine secretion, and the role of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.