Diet and Nutritional Factors in Male (In)fertility-Underestimated Factors

Hirsutella sinensis intensifies testicular function and spermatogenesis in male mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity

BACKGROUND

Hirsutella sinensis (HS) is a mycelium isolated from the fruiting body of the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps sinensis . This study explored whether HS treatment affects reproductive dysfunction in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mouse model and regulates various mechanisms, focusing on oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy.

METHODS

Twenty-four C57BL/6J (B6) mice were randomly divided into a standard chow diet (NCD)- or HFD-fed group for 24 weeks. During the final 8 weeks, half of the HFD-fed mice were orally administered HS (HFD + HS). Biochemical markers, including glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, were assessed, and hormones, including testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), were analyzed. Liver and testicular histology, as well as sperm quality markers such as sperm motility, sperm count, and percentage of sperm with normal morphology, were observed. The activities of the testicular antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the products of lipid peroxidation, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured. The protein expression levels of apoptosis-, autophagy- and inflammation-related markers were measured.

RESULTS

The HFD-fed mice had abnormal sex hormone levels, poor sperm quality, and a destroyed testicular structure, with increased oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testis. HS supplementation in HFD-fed mice attenuated testicular apoptosis by suppressing the Bax/Bcl-xl ratio and cleaved caspase 3 protein expression. The HS-treated mice exhibited improved reproductive function, possibly due to reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis, suggesting that HS has a protective effect against HFD-induced testicular damage.

CONCLUSION

Male mice supplemented with HS exhibited attenuated poor semen quality and reduced testosterone levels brought about by HFD-induced obesity by reducing oxidative stress.

Chronic oral administration of L-carnitine induces testicular injury: in vivo evidence

PURPOSE

While L-carnitine is commonly used to treat oligoasthenozoospermia, concerns have been raised regarding its potential harm to spermatogenesis. This study aims to investigate the potential testicular toxicity of long-term oral administration of L-carnitine.

METHODS

In this study, we refer to the clinical adult dosage and mode of L-carnitine administration, and after converting to mouse doses, mice were daily intragastrical administered L-carnitine to investigate whether it was harmful to the testis. The investigation involved assessing its potential testicular toxicity through histopathological staining, sperm motility analysis, and quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Our results showed that L-carnitine increased sperm motility after 14 days of continuous administration, but increased luminal exfoliated spermatogenic cells occurred in the testis, and TUNEL results showed increased apoptotic cells. Compared with the control group, the mRNA expression of the spermatogenic cell marker at each stage was decreased in mice treated for 14 consecutive days of L-carnitine. After 50 days of continuous administration followed by 14 days of drug withdrawal, the total sperm motility of mice was almost 0, and a large number of abnormal eosinophilic spermatogenic cells appeared in the testis. These indicate that oral L-carnitine for more than 14 days impairs spermatogenesis in mice, and sudden discontinuation of administration results in substantial death of established spermatogenic cell populations.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that chronic oral administration of L-carnitine impairs spermatogenic function in the testis. The oral administration of L-carnitine to enhance sperm motility should not exceed the 2/5 point of the spermatogenic cycle.

Dietary composition influences sperm quality and testis damage via endoplasmic reticulum stress in lambs

BACKGROUND

The metabolic impacts of including soya meal, wheat gluten and corn gluten in the diet of male lambs could influence their reproductive performance.

OBJECTIVES

An experiment was carried out to assess the effects of corn gluten, wheat gluten and soya meal on the reproductive system of male lambs.

METHODS

Twenty-four male Morkaraman lambs, aged 9 months, were utilized in this study and were fed experimental diets for 56 days. The lambs were divided into a control group (soybean meal + safflower meal), a corn group (corn gluten) and a wheat group (wheat gluten).

RESULTS

The serum follicle-stimulating hormone level of the control group was significantly higher and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level was lower than the wheat and corn gluten groups (p < 0.05). The lowest malondialdehyde level in testicular tissue was observed in the control group, whereas the highest was in the wheat gluten group (p < 0.05). The glutathione level in the control group was significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The corn gluten group showed the highest CHOP and IRE1 levels; the lowest Bcl-2 levels and the highest IL-1B and P2 × 7R levels were found in the wheat group; and the lowest TNF-α levels were in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the study revealed that diet had a significant impact on spermatological parameters of the testis such as diameter, volume and weight (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results concluded that the inclusion of different protein sources in the diet of reproductive male lambs affects the metabolism of testicular tissue.

Effects of empagliflozin on gonadal functions of hyperglycemic male wistar rats

Empagliflozin (EMPA) showed antiapoptotic, oxidative and anti-inflammatory potential effect. EMPA attenuates the inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with heart failure while significantly decreases the malondialdehyde (a lipid peroxidation marker) levels in the plasma of diabetic patients. The present study examined the effects of moderate hyperglycemia on reproductive function. Sixty male Wister rats ‎ were divided and randomly allocated into four groups of 15 animals each‎‎. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of a prepared solution containing STZ diluted in 0.1 M sodium citrate buffer (pH 4.5) at a dosage of 40 mg/kg body weight in selected in groups II and III for seven days before starting the treatment with EMPA. The current study revealed that EMPA for eight weeks prevented testicular high glucose-induced oxidative stress markers such as penile nitric oxide (NO), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) in STZ-induced hyperglycemia in a rat model. In addition, EMPA ameliorated the high levels of endogenous Interleukin-6 (IL-6) present in gonads in response to an acute inflammatory found in the hyperglycemic STZ-induced rats. The present study further suggested the protective effects of EMPA and how it has a beneficial role and can effectively attenuate hyperglycemia-induced testicular oxidative damage and inflammatory markers as well as androgen dependent testicular enzymes activity as a protective role against the consequences of hyperglycemia and male sub-infertility.

Associations between dietary macronutrient quality and asthenozoospermia risk: a hospital-based case-control study

Background & aims: Macronutrients are the main part of the human diet and can affect multiple health outcomes. Nevertheless, associations between dietary macronutrient quality and asthenozoospermia risk have not been reported to date. Thus, this study aimed to be the first to explore the associations between macronutrient quality and asthenozoospermia risk using the novel multidimensional macronutrient quality index (MQI). Methods: A case-control study was conducted at infertility clinics of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University during June and December 2020, including 552 asthenozoospermia cases and 585 normozoospermia controls. Data on diet were collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. MQI was estimated according to the carbohydrate quality index (CQI), fat quality index (FQI), and protein quality index (PQI). Binary logistic regression models were performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup and interaction analyses were performed based on age, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, drinking, and education level. Dose-response relationships were evaluated by restricted cubic splines. Sensitivity analyses were performed in two ways. First, participants with a dietary change were excluded to lower potential reverse causation. Then, we used the healthy plate protein source quality index instead of PQI to redefine MQI. Results: No statistically significant association was observed between dietary MQI and asthenozoospermia risk (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.88-1.73). The sub-indices of MQI, CQI, FQI, and PQI, failed to be identified as having a statistically significant association with asthenozoospermia risk (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 0.92-1.97 for CQI; OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.84-1.53 for FQI; OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.92-1.78 for PQI). However, CQI showed a positive association with the risk of asthenozoospermia among non-drinkers (Ptrend < 0.05) and highly educated participants (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.13-2.94; Ptrend < 0.05). Additionally, there was a multiplicative interaction between CQI and education level for asthenozoospermia risk (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated no association of MQI and its sub-indices with asthenozoospermia risk except for CQI. Although our findings are mostly non-significant, they contribute novel knowledge to this research field and lay the foundation for future studies.

Radiation and male reproductive system: Damage and protection

Male fertility has been declining in recent decades, and a growing body of research points to environmental and lifestyle factors as the cause. The widespread use of radiation technology may result in more people affected by male infertility, as it is well established that radiation can cause reproductive impairment in men. This article provides a review of radiation-induced damage to male reproduction, and the effects of damage mechanisms and pharmacotherapy. It is hoped that this review will contribute to the understanding of the effects of radiation on male reproduction, and provide information for research into drugs that can protect the reproductive health of males.

Effects of chronic exposure to a high fat diet, nutritive or non-nutritive sweeteners on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and -gonadal (HPG) axes of male Sprague-Dawley rats

PURPOSE

Diet-related factors are of great significance in the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to a high fat diet (HFD), fructose or sucralose on the endocrine functions.

METHODS

Male, Sprague-Dawley rats received a normal chow diet, HFD, 10% fructose or 0.02% sucralose for 10 weeks. Behavioral changes were assessed by open field (OFT) and elevated plus-maze (EPM) tests at week 8. H&E staining was used to observe pathological changes in adrenal cortex, testis and perirenal adipose tissue. Serum hormone concentrations were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression levels of genes along the HPA and HPG axes were determined using real-time PCR.

RESULTS

All types of dietary interventions increased body weight and disturbed metabolic homeostasis, with anxiogenic phenotype in behavioral tests and damage to cell morphology of adrenal cortex and testis being observed. Along the HPA axis, significantly increased corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations were observed in the HFD or 0.02% sucralose group. For HPG axis, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and estradiol (E2) concentrations were significantly increased in all dietary intervention groups, while decreased concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T) were also detected. Moreover, transcriptional profiles of genes involved in the synthesis of hormones and corresponding hormone receptors were significantly altered.

CONCLUSION

Long-term consumption of HFD, fructose or sucralose manifested deleterious effects on endocrine system and resulted in the dysregulation of HPA and HPG axes.

A diet enriched with Pistacia atlantica fruits improves the female rats' reproductive system

Background and aim

Baneh (Pistacia atlantica) is a plant species that is commonly consumed as food and has a long-standing traditional use as a sexual enhancer. Despite its widespread use, a limited amount of academic and scientific literature is available regarding its potential impact on the reproductive system. The present research aimed to study the effect of a diet enriched with Baneh on the female rats' reproductive system.

Experimental procedure

Three groups of rats (n = 8) were subjected to the intended diet for six weeks. Subsequently, their histomorphometric parameters, sex hormone levels, as well as the expression of oxytocin (OXT) and oxytocin receptor (OXTR) genes were measured. The rats' serum vitamin D, zinc, and lipid profiles were also evaluated.

Results and conclusion

Results revealed that compared to the normal food, the diet containing 20 % Baneh significantly increased the progesterone and estradiol levels three and two times, respectively. It decreased the total body weight while increasing the ratio of ovary weight to the body weight. Furthermore, the Baneh-enriched diet raised HDL, zinc, and vitamin D levels, though it reduced the LDL and TG levels by 15 μg/dl and 24 μg/dl, respectively, and the concentration of ovary malondialdehyde decreased by 50 % in the treated group. Also, the diet increased the follicle graph, corpus luteum, the thickness of the epithelium, the number of endometrial glands, and the expression of both OXT and OXTR genes. Our findings suggested that P. atlantica could considerably improve the female sex hormone levels and their reproductive system.

Taste receptor type 1 member 3 regulates Western diet-induced male infertility

Western diet (WD), characterized by a high intake of fats and sugary drinks, is a risk factor for male reproductive impairment. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this remain unclear. Taste receptor type 1 member 3 (TAS1R3), activated by ligands of WD, is highly expressed in extra-oral tissues, particularly in the testes. Here, we investigated to determine the effects of WD intake on male reproduction and whether TAS1R3 mediates WD-induced impairment in male reproduction. Male C57BL/6 J wild-type (WT) and Tas1r3 knockout (KO) mice were fed either a normal diet and plain water (ND) or a 60 % high-fat-diet and 30 % (w/v) sucrose water (WD) for 18 weeks (n = 7-9/group). Long-term WD consumption significantly impaired sperm count, motility and testicular morphology in WT mice with marked Tas1r3 overexpression, whereas Tas1r3 KO mice were protected from WD-induced reproductive impairment. Testicular transcriptome analysis revealed downregulated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and significantly elevated AMPK-targeted nuclear receptor 4A1 (Nr4a1) expression in WD-fed Tas1r3 KO mice. In vitro studies further validated that Tas1r3 knockdown in Leydig cells prevented the suppression of Nr4a1 and downstream steroidogenic genes (Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, and Hsd3b1) caused by high glucose, fructose, and palmitic acid levels, and maintained the levels of testosterone. Additionally, we analyzed the public human dataset to assess the clinical implications of our findings and confirmed a significant association between TAS1R3 and male-infertility-related diseases. Our findings suggest that TAS1R3 regulates WD-induced male reproductive impairment via the AMPK/NR4A1 signaling and can be a novel therapeutic target for male infertility.

Unravelling the epigenetic impact: Oxidative stress and its role in male infertility-associated sperm dysfunction

Male infertility is a multifactorial condition influenced by epigenetic regulation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Oxidative stress-induced damage leads to epigenetic modifications, disrupting gene expression crucial for spermatogenesis and fertilization. Paternal exposure to oxidative stress induces transgenerational epigenetic alterations, potentially impacting male fertility in offspring. Mitochondrial dysfunction impairs sperm function, while leukocytospermia exacerbates oxidative stress-related sperm dysfunction. Therefore, this review focuses on understanding these mechanisms as vital for developing preventive strategies, including targeting oxidative stress-induced epigenetic changes and implementing lifestyle modifications to prevent male infertility. This study investigates how oxidative stress affects the epigenome and sperm production, function, and fertilization. Unravelling the molecular pathways provides valuable insights that can advance our scientific understanding. Additionally, these findings have clinical implications and can help to address the significant global health issue of male infertility.

Effects of Korean Versus Western Diets on Reproductive Function in Young Korean Men: A 12-Week Randomized Parallel Clinical Trial

Background

Studies report that diet may have contributed to a 50-60% decrease in human sperm quality over the past few decades. Unhealthy lifestyles affect the structure of spermatozoa, affecting the male reproductive potential. This study aimed to compare the effects of Korean and Western diets on reproductive function in young male Koreans.

Methods

Study participants were provided either the Korean Diet (KD group) or the Western Diet (WD group) for 12 weeks. Semen quality parameters such as volume, motility, cell count, and sex hormone levels were evaluated. Sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function and the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire. Efficacy and safety evaluations were conducted at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks.

Results

The KD group demonstrated a significantly increased sperm motility after 8 weeks relative to baseline but decreased after 12 weeks. In contrast, sperm motility in the WD group significantly decreased after 8 weeks compared with baseline and remained constant after 12 weeks. Statistically, a near-significant difference was observed between groups (p = 0.057). Similarly, free testosterone levels in the KD group increased after 12 weeks compared with baseline, whereas that in the WD group decreased. The free testosterone levels in the KD group were significantly higher than those in the WD group (p = 0.020). There were no statistically significant differences in other sex hormone and sexual function questionnaires between the groups. None of the participants reported any severe side effects, and no significant alterations in clinical diagnostic test values were detected.

Conclusion

The results of the study strongly reveal that KD positively affects sperm motility and male hormone levels in young men, indicating potential benefits for reproductive function.

Relationship between dietary glycemic index and glycemic load and sperm-quality parameters in Iranian men: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Infertility is a major clinical problem with psychological, financial and medical costs. Male infertility has recently been linked to 50% of childless couples. It is worth mentioning that diet and its components can be manipulated and applied in counseling meetings of infertile men as a modifiable factor. The goal of this study was to determine the correlation of dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) with sperm-quality parameters in Iranian men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study which was carried from Aug to Nov 2023, after excluding smokers, 322 men who were attending the IVF clinic of Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital for seminal analysis were enrolled. Dietary intake was completed by an expert dietitian through face-to-face interviews with a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). In the present study, sperm-quality parameters, including motility, concentration, normal morphology, vitality, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and chromatin maturation of sperm, were analyzed. The relationship between dietary GI and CL and these parameters was assessed.

RESULTS

Adjusting for the baseline variables, dietary GI and GL showed positive and negative associations with sperm progressive motility, respectively (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001). Higher dietary GI was associated with lower (p = 0.03); however, a higher dietary GL was associated with higher immotile sperm (p < 0.001). A higher dietary GI was associated with a 77% higher sperm count (p = 0.003). In contrast, higher dietary GL was associated with a lower count (p < 0.001). Higher dietary GI and GL were associated with higher and lower percentages of sperm with normal morphology by 70% and 40%, respectively (p < 0.001 in both). A higher dietary GL was associated with an increase in sperm vitality and DFI of 33% and 53%, respectively (p < 0.001). Higher dietary GI showed a significant negative effect on sperm DFI (p = 0.009). Dietary GI and GL showed significant positive and negative effects on SCMA, respectively (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A diet with a higher GI showed beneficial effects on more parameters of sperm; however, higher dietary GL showed deleterious effects, except sperm vitality and SCMA. More studies are needed to obtain a concise result.

Low-Fat, High-Carbohydrate Diets Reduce Body Weight and Sperm Count but Increase Sperm Motility in Mice

BACKGROUND

Male reproduction is impacted by both over- and under-nutrition, demonstrated by animal studies using high-fat and low-protein dietary interventions. Little is known about the impacts of low-fat, high-carb diets and types of dietary carbohydrates on sperm traits.

OBJECTIVES

Using a nutritional geometry approach, we investigated the effects of partially or completely substituting glucose for fructose in isocaloric diets containing either 10%, 20%, or 30% fat (by energy) on sperm traits in mice.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were fed 1 of 15 experimental diets for 18 wk starting from 8 wk of age. Reproductive organs were then harvested, and sperm concentration, motility, and velocity were measured using Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis.

RESULTS

Increasing dietary fat from 10% to 30% while maintaining energy density at 14.3 kJ/g and protein content at 20% resulted in increased body weight and sperm production but reduced the percentage of motile sperm. Body weight and seminal vesicle weight were maximized on diets containing a 50:50 mix of fructose and glucose, but carbohydrate type had few significant impacts on epididymal sperm traits.

CONCLUSIONS

The opposing impacts of dietary fat on mouse sperm quantity and quality observed suggest that male fertility may not be optimized by a single diet; rather, context-specific dietary guidelines targeted to specific concerns in semen quality may prove useful in treating male infertility.

The Effect of Selenium Therapy on Semen Parameters, Antioxidant Capacity, and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Men with Idiopathic Oligoasthenoteratospermia

Idiopathic male infertility (IMI) remains challenging as the etiology of semen abnormalities is still unidentified. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been suggested as a potential mechanism. Oral antioxidants including selenium have been tried for IMI with variable results. This study was undertaken to explore the effect of selenium therapy on semen parameters, antioxidant capacity, and SDF in infertile patients with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT). Sixty-five infertile men with idiopathic OAT and fifty fertile controls were included in this prospective clinical study. Patients received selenium (200 μg/day) orally for 6 months. Seminal fluid parameters (WHO 5th criteria), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), and seminal SDF levels were assessed for all participants at the start of the study and after 6 months. Sperm concentration (P < 0.001), progressive motility (P < 0.001), and total motility (P < 0.01) significantly increased in patients after selenium therapy. Seminal TAC and CAT increased in patients post-therapy as compared to baseline values (P < 0.01). SDF levels significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in patients following selenium treatment in comparison to baseline values. SDF levels also correlated negatively with sperm progressive motility (r =  - 0.44, P = 0.003) and total motility (r =  - 0.48, P = 0.001). In conclusion, selenium therapy (200 μg/day) for 6 months increases sperm concentration, motility, seminal antioxidant capacity, and reduces SDF in patients with idiopathic OAT. Thus, selenium could be a promising therapy for men with IMI and may boost their fertility and fertility treatment outcomes.

How Food Choices Impact on Male Fertility

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Increasing evidence on the significance of nutrition in reproduction is emerging from both animal and human studies, suggesting an association between nutrition and male fertility. Here, we have highlighted the impact of the various food groups on reproductive hormones and on spermatogenesis, and the effects of classical and latest dietary patterns such as Mediterranean diet, Western diet, intermittent fasting, ketogenic diet, and vegan/vegetarian diet on male fertility.

RECENT FINDINGS

Nutrients are the precursors of molecules involved in various body's reactions; therefore, their balance is essential to ensure the correct regulation of different systems including the endocrine system. Hormones are strongly influenced by the nutritional status of the individual, and their alteration can lead to dysfunctions or diseases like infertility. In addition, nutrients affect sperm production and spermatogenesis, controlling sexual development, and maintaining secondary sexual characteristics and behaviors. The consumption of fruit, vegetables, fish, processed meats, dairy products, sugars, alcohol, and caffeine importantly impact on male fertility. Among dietary patterns, the Mediterranean diet and the Western diet are most strongly associated with the quality of semen. Nutrients, dietary patterns, and hormonal levels have an impact on male infertility. Therefore, understanding how these factors interact with each other is important for strategies to improve male fertility.

Association of diet and lifestyle factors with semen quality in male partners of Chinese couples preparing for pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Semen quality significantly influences conception, and its preservation is crucial for couples seeking pregnancy. We investigated dietary and lifestyle risk factors impacting semen quality.

METHODS

A total of 466 males from the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center's pre-pregnancy consultation clinic were recruited between January 2021 and March 2023 for inclusion. Semen analysis was performed, and diet and lifestyle data were gathered via questionnaire. Logistic regression was utilized to examine the link between diet, lifestyle variables, and semen quality.

RESULTS

Smoking worsened progressive sperm motility (38.0% vs. 36.0%, t = 2.262; P = 0.049). Alcohol consumption impaired progressive motility (40.5 ± 17.8% vs. 34.7 ± 16.1%, t = 3.396; P < 0.001) and total motility (56.0% vs. 64.0%; P = 0.001). Using plastic beverage bottles for oil or seasonings lowered sperm concentrations (40.4% vs. 59.0% vs. 65.5%; P = 0.032). A sweet diet correlated with higher total sperm motility (55.0% vs. 60.0%, 62.0% vs. 63.2%; P = 0.017). Higher milk product intake improved sperm concentration (41.6106 vs. 63.7106 vs. 66.1*106; P = 0.021) and motility (54.5% vs. 56.0% vs. 63.0%; P = 0.033). More frequent egg consumption increased semen volume (3.1 mL vs. 3.8 mL vs. 4.0 mL; P = 0.038). Roughage intake enhanced sperm concentration (160.8106 vs. 224.6106; P = 0.027), and adequate sleep improved progressive sperm motility rate (35.4% ± 18.2% vs. 40.2 ± 16.3%, F = 3.747; P = 0.024) and total motility (52.7% vs. 61.5%; P = 0.013). The regression model showed that using plastic containers for condiments was a protective factor for semen volume (OR: 0.12; CI 0.03-0.55; P = 0.006), sperm concentration (OR: 0.001, CI 0.00-0.30; P = 0.012), and count (OR: 0.12, CI 0.03-0.48; P = 0.003). Milk and egg consumption were also protective for semen volume (OR: 0.18, CI 0.06-0.51; P = 0.001 and OR: 0.11, CI 0.03-0.55; P = 0.006, respectively), while sufficient sleep benefitted total sperm motility (OR: 0.47, CI 0.24-0.95; P = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking and drinking, type of condiment container, diet preference, sleep duration, and milk, roughage, and egg consumption may reduce semen quality.

Association between dietary total antioxidant capacity and semen quality among men attending an infertility clinic: a cross-sectional study

STUDY QUESTION

Is dietary non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity related to semen quality?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The only statistically significant association of semen quality parameters with dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) detected was an inverse association between DTAC and ejaculate volume.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Growing interest exists regarding the role of diet in influencing semen quality. While DTAC is linked to favorable health outcomes, its association with semen quality, especially among men attending infertility clinics, remains understudied.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

This cross-sectional study was carried out between June and December of 2020. In total, 1715 participants were included in the final analysis.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

Men who attended an infertility clinic in China were enrolled. Experienced clinical technicians performed the semen analysis. The DTAC indices included the ferric-reducing ability of plasma, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, total reactive antioxidant potential, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity. The quantile regression model was used for multivariate analysis.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

After adjustment for a variety of confounding variables, a significant inverse association was identified between DTAC and ejaculate volume (βcontinuous FRAP = -0.015, 95% CI = -0.023, -0.006, βT3 vs T1 = -0.193, 95% CI = -0.379, -0.006, Ptrend = 0.007; βcontinuous TRAP = -0.019, 95% CI = -0.041, 0.002, βT3 vs T1 = -0.291, 95% CI = -0.469, -0.112, Ptrend = 0.002). The majority of DTAC indices have no statistically significant association with semen quality parameters.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

We cannot infer causality because of the nature of the cross-sectional study design. The robustness of the conclusion may be compromised by the exactness of non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity estimation.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our findings demonstrated no association between DTAC indices and semen quality parameters among men attending an infertility clinic, except for ejaculate volume. Even though our findings are mostly non-significant, they contribute novel knowledge to the field of study while also laying the groundwork for future well-designed studies.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This work was supported by the JieBangGuaShuai Project of Liaoning Province [grant number 2021JH1/10400050], the Clinical Research Cultivation Project of Shengjing Hospital [grant number M1590], and the Outstanding Scientific Fund of Shengjing Hospital [grant number M1150]. The sponsors had no role in study design, or in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, or in the writing of the report, or in the decision to submit the article for publication. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

A short-term high-fat diet alters rat testicular activity and blood-testis barrier integrity through the SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs signaling pathways

Background

Overweight/obesity are metabolic disorder resulting from behavioral, environmental, and heritable causes. WHO estimates that 50% of adults and 30% of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, and, in parallel, an ongoing decline in sperm quality and male fertility has been described. Numerous studies demonstrated the intimate association between overweight/obesity and reproductive dysfunction due to a highly intricate network of causes not yet completely understood. This study expands the knowledge on the impact of a short-term high-fat diet (st-HFD) on rat testicular activity, specifically on steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, focusing on the involved molecular mechanisms related to mitochondrial dynamics, blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity, and SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs pathways.

Methods

Ten adult Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of five and treated with a standard diet or an HFD for five weeks. At the end of the treatment, rats were anesthetized and sacrificed by decapitation. Blood was collected for serum sex hormone assay; one testis was stored at -80ÅãC for western blot analysis, and the other, was fixed for histological and immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

Five weeks of HFD results in reduced steroidogenesis, increased apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, and altered spermatogenesis, as highlighted by reduced protein levels ofmeiotic and post-meiotic markers. Further, we evidenced the compromission of the BTB integrity, as revealed by the downregulation of structural proteins (N-Cadherin, ZO-1, occludin, connexin 43, and VANGL2) other than the phosphorylation of regulative kinases (Src and FAK). At the molecular level, the impairment of mitochondrial dynamics (fission, fusion, andbiogenesis), and the dysregulation of the SIRT1/NRF2/MAPKs signaling pathways, were evidenced. Interestingly, no change was observed in the levels of pro-inflammatory markers (TNFα, NF-kB, and IL-6).

Conclusions

The combined data led us to confirm that overweight is a less severe state than obesity. Furthermore, understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the association between metabolic disorders and male fertility could improve the possibility of identifying novel targets to prevent and treat fertility disorders related to overweight/obesity.

Genital mycoplasma infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have suggested that genital mycoplasma infections may be associated with male infertility. However, this association remains controversial due to time lapse, sample size, and regional prevalence.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the relationship between genital mycoplasma and male infertility through a meta-analysis and to provide a basis for the clinical management of male infertility.

METHODS

We conducted a search on PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CNKI databases, from January 2000 to June 2023 to identify case-control studies on the interrelationship between genital mycoplasma infection and male infertility. Two independent researchers performed an assessment of the methodological quality of trials according to the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and extracted data strictly based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and afterward, we carried out a meta-analysis using Stata 16.0. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to assess this relationship.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 21 studies from seven countries with a total of 53025 infertility cases and 6435 controls; the age range of the participating men was from 20 to 59 years old. The results obtained showed a higher prevalence of M. genitalium, M. hominis and U. urealyticum infections in infertile men than in the controls, with the opposite result for U. parvum (M. genitalium, OR, 3.438 [95% CI: 1.780, 6.643], with P = 0.000; M. hominis, OR, 1.840 [95% CI: 1.013, 3.343], with P = 0.045; U. urealyticum, OR, 3.278 [95% CI: 2.075, 5.180], with P = 0.000; U. parvum, OR, 1.671 [95% CI: 0.947, 2.950], with P = 0.077). Further, two subgroup analyses also showed that M. hominis and U. urealyticum infections were strongly associated with male infertility in China (M. hominis, P = 0.009; U. urealyticum, P = 0.000); however, M. hominis and U. urealyticum infection was not strongly associated with male infertility worldwide (M. hominis, P = 0.553; U. urealyticum, P = 0.050).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis revealed that male infertility was significantly associated with M. genitalium, M. hominis and U. urealyticum infections, while U. parvum infection was not. Further, our study showed that genital mycoplasma infection influences male infertility and provides a basis for future treatment.

HE4 overexpression in mice leads to leydig cell hyperplasia and spermatogensis impairment: Pathological implications for oligospermia

Previous studies have shown that HE4 cancer biomarker promoted cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth in mouse xenograft models. Interestingly, HE4 levels are significantly increased in the seminal plasma of oligoasthenospermia patients, raising a question on HE4 role(s) in spermatogenesis. We constructed an HE4 overexpression mouse model (HE4-OE), and observed that HE4-OE male adult mice had small testes, low sperm counts, and elevated serum/testis testosterone levels. These mice exhibited disorganized seminiferous tubules and impaired spermatogenesis. HE4 overexpression concentrated in Leydig cells, and these cells had hyperplasia and increased testosterone biosynthesis. Mechanistic studies indicated that the impaired spermatogenesis was likely caused by a local and direct action of HE4 in the testis rather than by a hypothalamus/pituitary-initiated dysregulation. The new findings reveal a novel HE4 function in male reproductive system, and suggest the existence of a subtype of primary oligoasthenospermia characterized by HE4 overexpression, Leydig cell hyperplasia, and elevated testosterone levels.

Dietary total antioxidant capacity and the risk of developing asthenozoospermia: a hospital-based case-control study in China

STUDY QUESTION

Is dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) associated with the odds of developing asthenozoospermia in Chinese men?

SUMMARY ANSWER

There is no statistically significant association between DTAC indices and the odds of developing asthenozoospermia.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Both diet and oxidative stress may be related to sperm quality; however, few studies have investigated the association between DTAC and sperm quality.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This case-control study was conducted from June 2020 to December 2020. Those diagnosed with asthenozoospermia were assigned to the case group, whereas those with normal sperm parameters were assigned to the control group. Data from a total of 553 cases and 586 controls were included in the final analysis.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Men who had been referred to the infertility clinic of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University were enrolled. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. DTAC was based on ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), total oxygen radical absorbance capacity (T-ORAC), hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (H-ORAC), lipophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (L-ORAC), total phenolics (TP), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Asthenozoospermia was defined according to the criteria published in the fifth edition of the World Health Organization laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

No significant association was observed between the DTAC indices and the odds of asthenozoospermia after multivariable adjustment (T3 vs T1, odds ratio (OR) = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.73-1.33 for FRAP; OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.77-1.42 for T-ORAC; OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.65-1.18 for H-ORAC; OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.71-1.34 for L-ORAC; OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.76-1.39 for TP; OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.87-1.59 for TRAP; and OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.85-1.55 for TEAC). Both additive and multiplicative interaction analyses suggested that smoking might modify the association of T-ORAC with the odds of developing asthenozoospermia (relative excess risk due to interaction = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.07-0.83, attributable proportion due to interaction = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.07-0.84 for additive interaction; P = 0.033 for multiplicative interaction).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Recall bias and protopathic bias were inevitable in this retrospective case-control study. The estimation accuracy of the DTAC indices may have also affected the findings.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to specifically investigate whether an association exists between DTAC and the odds of developing asthenozoospermia. Although no significant association was found, this study provides novel information pertaining to the fields of nutrition and human reproduction.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by the JieBangGuaShuai Project of Liaoning Province (2021JH1/10400050), the Shengjing Hospital Clinical Research Project (M0071), and the Outstanding Scientific Fund of Shengjing Hospital (M1150). All authors have no competing interests to disclose.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Protective Effect of Commercial Grade Vitamin C against Alcohol-induced Testicular Damage in Male Wistar Rats

Background

Alcohol consumption has a negative effect on male fertility, but Vitamin C may be able to alleviate this effect.

Aims

In this study, the protective effect of Vitamin C against alcohol-induced testicular damage in adult male Wistar rats was evaluated.

Settings and Design

This study was conducted in a University setting. Following a 14-day acclimatisation period, forty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups of five rats. The control group received only food and water, test group B received alcohol only, test group C to E received different doses of Vitamin C, test group F to G received different doses of Vitamin C and alcohol.

Materials and Methods

After a 21-day treatment period, the testis were harvested and analysed for sperm parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, level of lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes.

Statistical Analysis Used

All analyses was performed using SPSS (version 16) and Microsoft Excel (2019) using Student's t-test.

Results

The results showed that in groups administered with alcohol only, there was a decrease in sperm count. Sperm motility, morphology, viability and antioxidant enzyme activity, but increase in the level of lipid peroxidation. In groups treated with Vitamin C and alcohol, there was improvement in the sperm parameters, antioxidant enzymes activity and a decrease and decrease in lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, in the histology of the testis, regenerative changes were seen.

Conclusion

The chronic consumption of alcohol can have a deleterious effect on the testis, but commercial-grade Vitamin C can reverse these effects.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on semen quality in male partners of infertile couples: a hospital-based observational study

The effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on male fertility have received considerable attention because human testes contain high levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptors, through which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can enter. Early studies showed decreases in semen quality during and after recovery from COVID-19. However, no semen quality studies have examined the effects of widespread subclinical and mild disease, as well as changes in lifestyle, psychosocial behavior, intake of dietary supplements, and stress. This cross-sectional study compared semen quality parameters in male partners of infertile couples between men who underwent semen analysis before the COVID-19 pandemic (prepandemic group) and men who underwent semen analysis during the pandemic period (pandemic group); the analysis sought to clarify the overall effects of the pandemic. No participants in the pandemic group had experienced clinically overt disease. Among the 239 participants, mean body weight (P = 0.001), mean body mass index (P < 0.001), median sperm concentration (P = 0.014), total sperm count (P = 0.006), and total percentages of motile (P = 0.013) and abnormal cells (P < 0.001) were significantly greater in the pandemic group (n = 137) than those in the prepandemic group (n = 102). Among abnormal cells, the percentages of cells with excess residual cytoplasm (P < 0.001), head defects (P < 0.001), and tail defects (P = 0.015) were significantly greater in the pandemic group than those in the prepandemic group. With the exception of morphology, the overall semenogram results were better in the pandemic group than those in the prepandemic group.

Comprehensive review on the positive and negative effects of various important regulators on male spermatogenesis and fertility

With the increasing global incidence of infertility, the influence of environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and nutrients on reproductive health has gradually attracted the attention of researchers. The quantity and quality of sperm play vital roles in male fertility, and both characteristics can be affected by external and internal factors. In this review, the potential role of genetic, environmental, and endocrine factors; nutrients and trace elements in male reproductive health, spermatozoa function, and fertility potency and the underlying mechanisms are considered to provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment of infertility.

Vitamin D supplementation for improving sperm parameters in infertile men: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Objective

Vitamin D has been hypothesized to have a potential role in altering sperm motility and metabolism. However, experimental studies have demonstrated inconsistent results between vitamin D and sperm parameters. This study aims to investigate the role of vitamin D supplementation to improve sperm parameters in infertile men.

Methods

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis study. We comprehensively conducted a search on ClinicalTrials.gov, IRCT.ir, Europe PMC, and PubMed and collected published studies on vitamin D supplementation and sperm parameters for infertile men. The risk of bias was assessed by using Risk of Bias version 2 (RoB v2) and the statistical analysis was performed by using Review Manager 5.4 software.

Results

Five trials with a total of 648 infertile men were included. Our meta-analysis showed that supplementation with vitamin D may significantly improve total sperm motility [mean difference 4.96 (95% CI 0.38, 9.54), p = 0.03, I2 = 69%], progressive sperm motility [mean difference 4.14 (95% CI 0.25, 8.02), p = 0.04, I2 = 89%], and normal sperm morphology [mean difference 0.44 (95% CI 0.30, 0.57), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%] better than placebo in infertile men. However, total sperm count (p = 0.15), sperm concentration (p = 0.82), and semen volume (p = 0.83) did not differ significantly between two groups.

Conclusions

Vitamin D supplementation may improve sperm motility, progressive sperm motility, and morphology in infertile men. Vitamin D supplementation may be considered in managing male fertility issue.

Glyphosate-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species overproduction activates parkin-dependent mitophagy to inhibit testosterone synthesis in mouse leydig cells

Glyphosate (GLY), one of the most extensively used herbicides in the world, has been shown to inhibit testosterone synthesis in male animals. Mitochondria are crucial organelles for testosterone synthesis and its dysfunction has been demonstrated to induce the inhibition of testosterone biosynthesis. However, whether low-dose GLY exposure targets mitochondria to inhibit testosterone synthesis and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, an in vitro model of 10 μM GLY-exposed mouse Leydig (TM3) cells was established to elucidate this issue. Data firstly showed that mitochondrial malfunction, mainly manifested by ultrastructure damage, disturbance of mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) overproduction, was responsible for GLY-decreased protein levels of steroidogenic enzymes, which leads to the inhibition of testosterone synthesis. Enhancement of autophagic flux and activation of mitophagy were shown in GLY-treated TM3 cells, and further studies have revealed that GLY-activated mitophagy is parkin-dependent. Notably, GLY-inhibited testosterone production was significantly improved by parkin knockdown. Finally, data showed that treatment with mitochondria-targeted antioxidant Mito-TEMPO (M-T) markedly reversed GLY-induced mitochondrial network fragmentation, activation of parkin-dependent mitophagy and consultant testosterone reduction. Overall, these findings demonstrate that GLY induces mtROS overproduction to activate parkin-dependent mitophagy, which contributes to the inhibition of testosterone synthesis. This study provides a potential mechanistic explanation for how GLY inhibits testosterone synthesis in mouse Leydig cells.

Enterotypes in asthenospermia patients with obesity

The essence of enterotypes is stratifying the entire human gut microbiome, which modulates the association between diet and disease risk. A study was designed at the Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University and Jinghua Hospital of Shenyang. Prevotella and Bacteroides were analyzed in 407 samples of stool, including 178 men with enterotype B (61 normal, 117 overweight/obese) and 229 men with enterotype P (74 normal, 155 overweight/obese). The ratio between Prevotella and Bacteroides abundance, P/B, was used as a simplified way to distinguish the predominant enterotype. In enterotype P group (P/B ≥ 0.01), obesity was a risk factor for a reduced rate of forward progressive sperm motility (odds ratio [OR] 3.350; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.881-5.966; P < 0.001), and a reduced rate of total sperm motility (OR 4.298; 95% CI 2.365-7.809; P < 0.001). Obesity was also an independent risk factor (OR 3.131; 95% CI 1.749-5.607; P < 0.001) after adjusting follicle-stimulating hormone. In enterotype P, body mass index, as a diagnostic indicator of a reduced rate of forward progressive sperm motility and a decreased rate of decreased total sperm motility, had AUC values of 0.627 (P = 0.001) and 0.675 (P < 0.0001), respectively, which were significantly higher than the predicted values in all patients. However, in enterotype B group (P < 0.01), obesity was not a risk factor for asthenospermia, where no significant difference between obesity and sperm quality parameters was observed. This study is tried to introduce enterotypes as a population-based individualized classification index to investigate the correlation between BMI and asthenospermia. In our study, overweight/obese men with enterotype P were found to have poorer sperm quality. however, sperm quality was not associated with overweight/obese in men with enterotype B. Thereof, BMI is a risk factor for asthenospermia only in men with enterotype P, but not in men with enterotype B.

Skipping the first active meal appears to adversely alter reproductive function in female than male rats

There is a growing consciousness about chrono-nutrition and its physiological functions. The human feeding pattern establishes three meals a day, meal timing however may not be adhered to. Previous studies have reported ovarian dysfunctions in breakfast skipping among females. In this study, the investigation was carried out on the effects of breakfast skipping on reproductive functions in the male rat and comparison, to the female rat. Eight-week-old animals (10 rats per group) were used to mimic post-adolescence. Rats are active at night thus the meal model was divided as follows. Female rats who had all three meals (Control_F), Female rats who had a no-first-active meal (NFAM_F), Male rats who had all three meals (Control_M), and Male rats who had a no-first-active meal (NFAM_M). All animals were fed the same amount of food every day. After the expiration of the four weeks experiment, serum testosterone, estrogen, Luteinising Hormone (LH) Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and prolactin (PRL) were quantified using ELISA. Sperm was also analyzed. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the testosterone level and sperm count in the NFAM_M compared to the Control_M while the estrogen level was significantly reduced in the NFAM_F compared to the Control_F. LH, FSH, and PRL levels were significantly reduced in the NFAM_F compared to the NFAM_M. These findings further confirm that post-adolescent females are prone to breakfast skipping. The increase in testosterone levels and sperm count in the males establish that breakfast skipping might not interfere with the reproductive physiology in males as it does in females.

Curcumin Remedies Testicular Function and Spermatogenesis in Male Mice with Low-Carbohydrate-Diet-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction

Increasing reports on the significance of dietary patterns in reproduction have arisen from both animal and human studies, suggesting an interactive association between nutrition and male fertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on low-carbohydrate-diet-induced metabolic dysfunction, testicular antioxidant capacity, apoptosis, inflammation and spermatogenesis in male mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet (AIN-93M group, n = 12) and a low-carbohydrate diet for 12 weeks (LC group, fed with low-carbohydrate diet, n = 48), and mice randomly chosen from the LC group were later fed their original diet (LC group, n = 12). This diet was changed to AIN-93M feed (LC/AIN-93M group, n = 12), a ketogenic diet (LC/KD group, n = 12), or a ketogenic diet treated with curcumin supplementation for the final 6 weeks (LC/KDCu group, n = 12). A poor sperm morphology and mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) were observed in the LC and LC/KD groups, but they were eliminated by the normal diet or ketogenic diet with curcumin. The LC group exhibited a lower testicular testosterone level and a lower 17β-HSD activity and protein expression. This also enhanced apoptosis protein expressions in testis tissue, including Bax/BCl₂, cleaved caspase 3, PARP and NF-κB. Meanwhile, we found a statistically significant increase in lipid peroxidation and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase levels in the LC group. Our study indicated that a replacement of a normal diet or ketogenic diet supplemented with curcumin attenuated poor semen quality and reduced testosterone levels by the LC diet by reducing oxidative stress.

Associations between isoflavone exposure and reproductive damage in adult males: evidence from human and model system studies

It's controversial whether exposure to isoflavones, constituents of certain plants such as soy bean, exerts male reproductive toxicity. This study was designed to investigate whether isoflavone exposure during adulthood could have deleterious impacts on male reproductive health by the cross-sectional study, animal experiments, and in vitro tests. In the cross-sectional study, we observed that urinary isoflavones were not significantly associated with semen quality including sperm concentrations, sperm count, progressive motility, and total motility, respectively (All P-value for trend>0.05). However, negative associations were found between plasma testosterone and urinary Σisoflavones, genistein, glycitein, and dihydrodaidzein (all P-value for trend <0.05). In the animal experiments, serum and intratesticular testosterone levels were decreased in mice exposed to several dosages of genistein. Genistein administration caused up-regulation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and down-regulation of cytochrome P45017A1 (CYP17A1) protein levels in testes of mice. However, genistein treatment during adulthood did not induce appreciable structural damages of reproductive system in mice. In vitro tests, we observed that genistein of different dosages (0.01, 2.5, 10 μM) caused a concentration dependent inhibition of testosterone production by TM3 Leydig cells (half-maximal inhibitory concentration = 3.796 nM, P < 0.05). Elevated protein expression of ERα and decreased mRNA/protein level of CYP17A1 were also observed in genistein-treated cells. Protein level of CYP17A1 and testosterone concentration were significantly restored in the ERα siRNA-transfected cells, compared to cells that treated with genistein alone (P < 0.05). The results demonstrate that exposure to isoflavones during adulthood may be associated with alterations of reproductive hormones. Particularly for genistein, which inhibits testosterone biosynthesis through up-regulation of ERα in Leydig cells of mice, might induce the disruption of testosterone production in human. The present study provides novel perspective into potential targets for male reproductive compromise induced by isoflavone exposure.

The relevance of sperm morphology in male infertility

This brief report concerns the role of human sperm morphology assessment in different fields of male infertility: basic research, genetics, assisted reproduction technologies, oxidative stress. One of the best methods in studying sperm morphology is transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that enables defining the concept of sperm pathology and classifying alterations in non-systematic and systematic. Non-systematic sperm defects affect head and tail in variable ratio, whereas the rare systematic defects are characterized by a particular anomaly that marks most sperm of an ejaculate. TEM analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization represent outstanding methods in the study of sperm morphology and cytogenetic in patients with altered karyotype characterizing their semen quality before intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In recent years, the genetic investigations on systematic sperm defects, made extraordinary progress identifying candidate genes whose mutations induce morphological sperm anomalies. The question if sperm morphology has an impact on assisted fertilization outcome is debated. Nowadays, oxidative stress represents one of the most important causes of altered sperm morphology and function and can be analyzed from two points of view: 1) spermatozoa with cytoplasmic residue produce reactive oxygen species, 2) the pathologies with inflammatory/oxidative stress background cause morphological alterations. Finally, sperm morphology is also considered an important endpoint in in vitro experiments where toxic substances, drugs, antioxidants are tested. We think that the field of sperm morphology is far from being exhausted and needs other research. This parameter can be still considered a valuable indicator of sperm dysfunction both in basic and clinical research.

Commensal Lactobacilli Enhance Sperm Qualitative Parameters in Dogs

Although several methods have been developed to improve male fertility and sperm quality, subfertility remains a primary clinical issue in male reproduction worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the oral administration of three commensal Lactobacillus spp. on healthy normozoospermic dogs and the qualitative parameters of their sperm. Three weeks of supplementation induced a significant decrease of two phyla, Proteobacteria and Tenericutes, and an increase of phylum Firmicutes. At the species level, the number of Fusobacterium perfoetens and Anaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens decreased, while Limosilactobacillus reuteri increased. Parallel to these results, qualitative sperm parameters such as total and progressive motility, acrosome integrity, and other kinematic parameters were significantly enhanced after commensal lactobacilli supplementation. In addition, we showed that Firmicutes were positively correlated with sperm qualitative parameters, while Proteobacteria, F. perfoetens, and A. succiniciproducens were negatively correlated. Considering the similarities between the gut microbiome of dogs and humans, these results provide more insight into how gut microbiota regulation could improve male sperm quality in both species.

Function of Foxl2 and Dmrt1 proteins during gonadal differentiation in the olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

Study on fish sex differentiation is important both from academic and practical aspects. Foxl2 and Dmrt1 are important transcription factors that should be involved in fish gonadal differentiation, but there is still no direct evidence to clarify their protein functions. Olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus, an important mariculture fish in China, Japan, and Korea, shows sex-dimorphic growth. In this study, the Foxl2 and Dmrt1 proteins were detected in granulosa cells of the ovary and Sertoli cells of the testis, respectively, showing significant sex-dimorphic expression patterns. Then, bioactive high-purity Foxl2 and Dmrt1 recombinant proteins were obtained in vitro. Furthermore, effects of the recombinant Foxl2 and Dmrt1 during gonadal differentiation period were evaluated by intraperitoneal injection in juvenile fish. Compared with the control group, the male rate in the Dmrt1 group increased from 0 % to 82 %, showing for the first time in fish that the recombinant Dmrt1 could alter the sex phenotype. In addition, transcription levels of cyp19a and its transcription factors also changed after the recombinant Foxl2 and Dmrt1 injection. These findings reveal that Foxl2 and Dmrt1 are vital regulators for fish gonadal differentiation by regulating cyp19a expression, and also provide a new approach for sex control in fish aquaculture.

Infertility in Men: Advances towards a Comprehensive and Integrative Strategy for Precision Theranostics

Male infertility is an increasing and serious medical concern, though the mechanism remains poorly understood. Impaired male reproductive function affects approximately half of infertile couples worldwide. Multiple factors related to the environment, genetics, age, and comorbidities have been associated with impaired sperm function. Present-day clinicians rely primarily on standard semen analysis to diagnose male reproductive potential and develop treatment strategies. To address sperm quality assessment bias and enhance analysis accuracy, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended standardized sperm testing; however, conventional diagnostic and therapeutic options for male infertility, including physical examination and semen standard analysis, remain ineffective in relieving the associated social burden. Instead, assisted reproductive techniques are becoming the primary therapeutic approach. In the post-genomic era, multiomics technologies that deeply interrogate the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and/or the epigenome, even at single-cell level, besides the breakthroughs in robotic surgery, stem cell therapy, and big data, offer promises towards solving semen quality deterioration and male factor infertility. This review highlights the complex etiology of male infertility, especially the roles of lifestyle and environmental factors, and discusses advanced technologies/methodologies used in characterizing its pathophysiology. A comprehensive combination of these innovative approaches in a global and multi-centric setting and fulfilling the suitable ethical consent could ensure optimal reproductive and developmental outcomes. These combinatorial approaches should allow for the development of diagnostic markers, molecular stratification classes, and personalized treatment strategies. Since lifestyle choices and environmental factors influence male fertility, their integration in any comprehensive approach is required for safe, proactive, cost-effective, and noninvasive precision male infertility theranostics that are affordable, accessible, and facilitate couples realizing their procreation dream.

Oxidation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids as a Promising Area of Research in Infertility

In this review, the role of fatty acids (FA) in human pathological conditions, infertility in particular, was considered. FA and FA-derived metabolites modulate cell membrane composition, membrane lipid microdomains and cell signaling. Moreover, such molecules are involved in cell death, immunological responses and inflammatory processes. Human health and several pathological conditions are specifically associated with both dietary and cell membrane lipid profiles. The role of FA metabolism in human sperm and spermatogenesis has recently been investigated. Cumulative findings indicate F₂ isoprostanes (oxygenated products from arachidonic acid metabolism) and resolvins (lipid mediators of resolution of inflammation) as promising biomarkers for the evaluation of semen and follicular fluid quality. Advanced knowledge in this field could lead to new scenarios in the treatment of infertility.

Associations between Meat and Vegetable Intake, Cooking Methods, and Asthenozoospermia: A Hospital-Based Case–Control Study in China

Background: The role of meat and vegetable intake in the development of asthenozoospermia has been controversial, and the role of cooking methods for meat and vegetables in the association has yet to be determined. The present study aimed to illuminate the relationship between the consumption and cooking methods of meat and vegetables and the risk of asthenozoospermia. Methods: In this hospital-based case–control study, we enrolled 552 patients with asthenozoospermia and 585 healthy controls. Dietary information was assessed using a validated self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Asthenozoospermia was diagnosed according to the fifth edition of the WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen. Results: Participants in the highest tertile of total meat and unprocessed meat intake had a 44% and 39% lower risk of asthenozoospermia than those in the lowest tertile (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.87 and OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.93), respectively. Participants with the highest processed meat consumption showed higher risk (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.06). Raw vegetable consumption was negatively associated with the risk of asthenozoospermia (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.98). The stir-frying cooking method for meat was associated with increased risk of asthenozoospermia (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.46). Conclusions: Intake of total meat, unprocessed meat, and raw vegetable may reduce asthenozoospermia risk, while higher consumption of processed meat may increase the risk. Cooking methods may play a role in these associations. These findings need to be confirmed in large and prospective cohort studies.

Personalized Nutrition in the Management of Female Infertility: New Insights on Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation

Increasing evidence on the significance of nutrition in reproduction is emerging from both animal and human studies, suggesting a mutual association between nutrition and female fertility. Different “fertile” dietary patterns have been studied; however, in humans, conflicting results or weak correlations are often reported, probably because of the individual variations in genome, proteome, metabolome, and microbiome and the extent of exposure to different environmental conditions. In this scenario, “precision nutrition”, namely personalized dietary patterns based on deep phenotyping and on metabolomics, microbiome, and nutrigenetics of each case, might be more efficient for infertile patients than applying a generic nutritional approach. In this review, we report on new insights into the nutritional management of infertile patients, discussing the main nutrigenetic, nutrigenomic, and microbiomic aspects that should be investigated to achieve effective personalized nutritional interventions. Specifically, we will focus on the management of low-grade chronic inflammation, which is associated with several infertility-related diseases.

Diet and human reproductive system: Insight of omics approaches

Nutrition and lifestyle have a great impact on reproduction and infertility in humans, as they are essential for certain processes such as implantation, placental growth, angiogenesis, and the transfer of nutrients from the mother to the fetus. The aim of this review is to provide the interconnection between nutrition and reproductive health through the insight of omics approaches (including metabolomics and nutrigenomics). The effect of various macronutrients, micronutrients, and some food‐associated components on male and female reproduction was discussed. Recent research work was collected through database search from 2010 to 2020 to identify eligible studies. Alterations of metabolic pathways in pregnant women were deliberated with an emphasis on different strategies of lifestyle and dietary interventions. Several nutritional methods, which are important for embryonic and child neurological development, nutritional supplements to lactation, and improved gestational length along with birth weight have been emphasized. Considerable advances in omics strategies show potential technological development for improving human reproductive health.

Selenium Supplementation during Puberty and Young Adulthood Mitigates Obesity-Induced Metabolic, Cellular and Epigenetic Alterations in Male Rat Physiology

Selenium (Se) role in obesity is not clear. In addition, information on Se’s role in male physiology, specifically in obesity, is scarce. We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of Se supplementation, specifically during puberty until young adulthood, against obesity-induced deregulation of metabolic, cellular, and epigenetic parameters in epididymal fat and/or sperm cells in a rat model. High-fat-diet consumption by male rats during puberty and young adulthood significantly increased body weight, adipocyte size, oxidative stress, deregulated expression of genes associated with inflammation (Adiponectin, IL-6, TNF-α), adipogenesis (CEBPα), estrogen biosynthesis (CYP19) and epigenetic processes in epididymal adipose tissue (Dnmt3a), as well as altered microRNA expression vital for spermatogenesis in sperm cells (miR-15b and miR-497). On the other hand, Se supplementation significantly decreased oxidative stress and mitigated these molecular/epigenetic alterations in epididymal adipose tissue or sperm cells. Our results indicate that selenium supplementation during puberty/young adulthood could improve male physiology in the context of obesity. In addition, it suggests that Se could potentially positively affect offspring health.

Mixture analysis of associations between exposure to low levels of multiple metals and semen quality and sperm DNA integrity

The objective of this study was to assess the association of exposure to metal mixtures with semen quality and sperm DNA integrity of coke oven workers (n = 96). Urinary six metals (cadmium, lead, arsenic, zinc, selenium, and copper) were quantified using inductively coupled-mass spectrometry. Semen quality parameters included sperm concentration, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm viability. Sperm DNA fragmentation and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) adducts served as biomarkers for assessing sperm DNA integrity. Bayesian kernel machine regression with the hierarchical variable selection process was used for analyzing both individual and joint effects of the metal mixture on the outcomes of semen samples, while adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol consumption, job length, and body mass index. The metal mixture was associated with reduced sperm concentration, motility, viability, and normal morphology. It was novel that a dose-response relationship was observed between exposure of the metal mixture and semen quality. Among the metals tested, cadmium had a reverse relationship with sperm motility, viability, and normal morphology, and a non-linear relationship with sperm viability and sperm motility. The metal mixture and individual metals were not associated with sperm DNA fragmentation and 8-oxodGuo. In conclusion, exposure to metal mixtures and cadmium may exert an association with semen quality and had no association with sperm DNA breakages.

Immunonutrients involved in the regulation of the inflammatory and oxidative processes: implication for gamete competence

Purpose

The purpose of this umbrella review is to bring together the most recent reviews concerning the role of immunonutrients for male and female infertility.

Methods

Regarding immunonutrients and fertility, the authors have analyzed reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 2011 and June 2021. All reviews on animal or in vitro studies were excluded. Relevant keywords to term micronutrients were analyzed alone or in association with other terms such as “gamete competence,” “male OR female fertility,” “male OR female infertility,” “fertile, “folliculogenesis,” “spermatogenesis,” “immunomodulation,” “immune system,” “oxidative stress.”

Results

The primary research has included 108 results, and after screening by title, abstract. and not topic-related, 41 studies have been included by full texts. The results show the molecular mechanisms and the immunonutrients related impact on gamete formation, development. and competence. In particular, this review focused on arginine, glutamine, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, omega-3, selenium, and zinc.

Conclusions

Inflammation and oxidative stress significantly impact human reproduction. For this reason, immunonutrients may play an important role in the treatment of infertile patients. However, due to the lack of consistent clinical trials, their application is limited. Therefore, the development of clinical trials is necessary to define the correct supplementation, in case of deficiency.

Perspectives on Potential Fatty Acid Modulations of Motility Associated Human Sperm Ion Channels

Human spermatozoan ion channels are specifically distributed in the spermatozoan membrane, contribute to sperm motility, and are associated with male reproductive abnormalities. Calcium, potassium, protons, sodium, and chloride are the main ions that are regulated across this membrane, and their intracellular concentrations are crucial for sperm motility. Fatty acids (FAs) affect sperm quality parameters, reproductive pathologies, male fertility, and regulate ion channel functions in other cells. However, to date the literature is insufficient to draw any conclusions regarding the effects of FAs on human spermatozoan ion channels. Here, we aimed to discern the possible effects of FAs on spermatozoan ion channels and direct guidance for future research. After investigating the effects of FAs on characteristics related to human spermatozoan motility, reproductive pathologies, and the modulation of similar ion channels in other cells by FAs, we extrapolated polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) to have the highest potency in modulating sperm ion channels to increase sperm motility. Of the PUFAs, the ω-3 unsaturated fatty acids have the greatest effect. We speculate that saturated and monounsaturated FAs will have little to no effect on sperm ion channel activity, though the possible effects could be opposite to those of the PUFAs, considering the differences between FA structure and behavior.

Protocol for developing a core outcome set for male infertility research: an international consensus development study

STUDY QUESTION

We aim to develop, disseminate and implement a minimum data set, known as a core outcome set, for future male infertility research.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Research into male infertility can be challenging to design, conduct and report. Evidence from randomized trials can be difficult to interpret and of limited ability to inform clinical practice for numerous reasons. These may include complex issues, such as variation in outcome measures and outcome reporting bias, as well as failure to consider the perspectives of men and their partners with lived experience of fertility problems. Previously, the Core Outcome Measure for Infertility Trials (COMMIT) initiative, an international consortium of researchers, healthcare professionals and people with fertility problems, has developed a core outcome set for general infertility research. Now, a bespoke core outcome set for male infertility is required to address the unique challenges pertinent to male infertility research.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

Stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, allied healthcare professionals, scientists, researchers and people with fertility problems, will be invited to participate. Formal consensus science methods will be used, including the modified Delphi method, modified Nominal Group Technique and the National Institutes of Health's consensus development conference.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

An international steering group, including the relevant stakeholders outlined above, has been established to guide the development of this core outcome set. Possible core outcomes will be identified by undertaking a systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating potential treatments for male factor infertility. These outcomes will be entered into a modified Delphi method. Repeated reflection and re-scoring should promote convergence towards consensus outcomes, which will be prioritized during a consensus development meeting to identify a final core outcome set. We will establish standardized definitions and recommend high-quality measurement instruments for individual core outcomes.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This work has been supported by the Urology Foundation small project award, 2021. C.L.R.B. is the recipient of a BMGF grant and received consultancy fees from Exscentia and Exceed sperm testing, paid to the University of Dundee and speaking fees or honoraria paid personally by Ferring, Copper Surgical and RBMO. S.B. received royalties from Cambridge University Press, Speaker honoraria for Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Singapore, Merk SMART Masterclass and Merk FERRING Forum, paid to the University of Aberdeen. Payment for leadership roles within NHS Grampian, previously paid to self, now paid to University of Aberdeen. An Honorarium is received as Editor in Chief of Human Reproduction Open. M.L.E. is an advisor to the companies Hannah and Ro. B.W.M. received an investigator grant from the NHMRC, No: GNT1176437 is a paid consultant for ObsEva and has received research funding from Ferring and Merck. R.R.H. received royalties from Elsevier for a book, consultancy fees from Glyciome, and presentation fees from GryNumber Health and Aytu Bioscience. Aytu Bioscience also funded MiOXYS systems and sensors. Attendance at Fertility 2020 and Roadshow South Africa by Ralf Henkel was funded by LogixX Pharma Ltd. R.R.H. is also Editor in Chief of Andrologia and has been an employee of LogixX Pharma Ltd. since 2020. M.S.K. is an associate editor with Human Reproduction Open. K.Mc.E. received an honoraria for lectures from Bayer and Pharmasure in 2019 and payment for an ESHRE grant review in 2019. His attendance at ESHRE 2019 and AUA 2019 was sponsored by Pharmasure and Bayer, respectively. The remaining authors declare no competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) initiative registration No: 1586. Available at www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/Details/1586.

TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE

N/A.

DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT

N/A.

Design and evaluation of a mobile-based nutrition education application for infertile women in Iran

Background

The prevalence of infertility in Iran is higher than the world average. Furthermorte, education and nutrition are among the effective factors in improving the quality of life of women with infertility. According to the significant role of smartphones in people's lives as well as health education, the present study aimed to design and evaluate a mobile-based nutrition education application for infertile women.

Methods

This quantitative research was conducted in two stages. Initially, the educational contents were determined based on a review of the literature. Later, the obtained contents were given to 10 nutritionists and five infertility specialists to determine the necessity of each item. In the next stage, the application prototype was designed based on the results of the first stage and distributed among 220 infertile women. After two months, the Questionnaire of User Interface Satisfaction was administrated to assess the usability of the developed application. The results were analyzed via SPSS software version 20.

Results

According to the nutritionists and infertility specialists, the contents determined for the nutrition educational application were categorized under three general sections of user's demographic data, educational contents, required capabilities. The users' mean score of the application usability was calculated as 7.44 out of 9 indicating a good level of satisfaction.

Conclusions

Nutrition education of women with infertility problems can play a significant role in improving their awareness and treatment outcomes. Due to the increasing use of smartphones, designing a mobile-based nutrition educational application can be of great benefit for women with infertility according to the cultural conditions and characteristics of each community.

Diet and Male Fertility: The Impact of Nutrients and Antioxidants on Sperm Energetic Metabolism

Diet might affect male reproductive potential, but the biochemical mechanisms involved in the modulation of sperm quality remain poorly understood. While a Western diet is considered a risk factor for male infertility, the Mediterranean diet seems to protect against male infertility; moreover, the role of a vegetarian habitus in the preservation of sperm quality is controversial. The aim of this review is to analyze the molecular effects of single nutrients on sperm quality, focusing on their involvement in biochemical mechanisms related to sperm bioenergetics. It appears that diets rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and low in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) negatively affect sperm quality, whereas unsaturated fatty acids supplementation ameliorates sperm quality. In fact, the administration of PUFA, especially omega-3 PUFA, determined an increase in mitochondrial energetic metabolism and a reduction in oxidative damage. Carbohydrates and proteins are also nutritional modulators of oxidative stress and testosterone levels, which are strictly linked to sperm mitochondrial function, a key element for sperm quality. Moreover, many dietary natural polyphenols differentially affect (positively or negatively) the mitochondrial function, depending on their concentration. We believe that an understanding of the biochemical mechanisms responsible for sperm quality will lead to more targeted and effective therapeutics for male infertility.

The protective effect of C-phycocyanin in male mouse reproductive system

C-phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis has pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidation, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerosis activities as well as liver and kidney protection. However, there is little research on C-phycocyanin applied in the field of reproductive medicine, and it is therefore the focus of the current study. In this study, a GC-1 spg cell model and male mouse reproductive injury model were constructed by TNF α + Smac mimetic + zVAD-fmk (TSZ) and cyclophosphamide (Cy), respectively. It has been proved that C-phycocyanin can increase cell viability and reduce cell death in GC-1 spg cells induced by TSZ. C-phycocyanin could protect the reproductive system of male mice from cyclophosphamide, improve spermatogenesis, sperm quality and fertility, increase the release of testosterone, stabilize the feedback regulation mechanism, and ensure the spermatogenic ability of mice. It could also improve the ability of anti-oxidation. In addition, C-phycocyanin could play a protective role by down-regulating RIPK1, RIPK3, and p-MLKL to inhibit the necroptotic signaling pathway. These results suggest that C-phycocyanin could protect GC-1 spg cells and the reproductive system of male mice from TSZ and cyclophosphamide, and the protective mechanism may be achieved by inhibiting the signal pathway of necroptosis. Therefore, C-phycocyanin could serve as a promising reproductive system protective agent. C-phycocyanin may enter public life as a health product in the future.

Creatine as a Promising Component of Paternal Preconception Diet

Male fertility has been declining globally over the past several decades, advancing from a personal issue to a public health problem. Beyond any doubt, a reduction in fertility (often characterized by low sperm count or motility) can severely threaten reproductive health and lifecourse framework in a long-term fashion. Aside from uncovering the currently unknown etiology of modern-day male infertility, the scientific and medical community faces a double burden: finding an efficient biomarker of impaired fertility and exploring any intervention that can act to enhance fertility. A plethora of nutritional compounds have been recognized as possible modulators of semen quality, and specific dietary patterns and nutrients appear to be accompanied by a lower risk of male infertility. Creatine, a conditionally essential nutrient, has caught attention as a male fertility-promoting candidate due to its role in sperm energy metabolism. This mini-review describes the creatine-related bioenergetics of spermatozoa, explores a connection between creatine levels and sperm quality in men, and critically examines available evidence for interventional studies with creatine to affect sperm viability.

The effects of differing nutritional levels and body condition score on scrotal circumference, motility, and morphology of bovine sperm

Bulls often experience various levels of nutrient availability throughout the year. Nutritional management is a critical factor on overall ejaculate composition and the ability to get females pregnant. We hypothesized that differing nutritional levels and body condition score (BCS) affect reproductive fertility parameters in bulls. Mature Angus bulls (n = 11) were individually housed and randomly assigned to one of two dietary regimens: 1) over-fed (n = 5) or 2) restricted (n = 6). Bulls were fed the same ration at different volumes to achieve desired effects resulting in eight individual treatments: gain to an over-fed body condition score ([BCS]; GO), gain after nutrient restriction (GR), loss after an over-fed BCS (LO), loss from nutrient restriction (LR), maintenance at ideal adiposity (BCS = 6) after overfeeding (IMO), maintenance at ideal adiposity after nutrient restriction (IMR), maintenance at an over-fed BCS (BCS = 8; MO), and maintenance at a restricted BCS (BCS = 4; MR). Body weight (BW) and BCS were recorded every 2 wk to monitor bull weight and BCS changes. Scrotal circumference was measured every 28 d. Body fat and sperm motility and morphology were evaluated every 84 d. Scrotal circumference, motility, and morphology were normalized to the initial value of each bull. Thus, allowing the individual bull to serve as a control. Statistical analyses were conducted with PROC GLIMMIX of SAS as a complete randomized design to determine if treatment influenced BW, BCS, scrotal circumference, motility, morphology, and adipose thickness. Scrotal circumference (P < 0.001) had the least amount of deviation from initial during the LR (0.29 ± 0.44) treatment and the greatest during the MO (3.06 ± 0.44), LO (2.28 ± 0.44), MR (2.43 ± 0.44), GR (3.03 ± 0.44), and IMR (2.91 ± 0.44) treatments. Sperm motility was not affected by nutritional treatments (P = 0.55). Both head and total defects of sperm differed (P = 0.02) due to nutritional treatments. Increased head abnormalities occurred during the LO (37.60 ± 8.61) treatment, with no differences between the other treatments. Total defects increased during the LO (43.80 ± 9.55) treatment with similar increases in bulls during the GR (29.40 ± 9.55) and IMR (35.60 ± 9.55) treatments. In conclusion, male fertility was impacted when a deviation from a BCS of 6 occurred which could be detrimental to reproductive and beef production efficiency.