Relationships between Obesity markers and Semen Quality in adult Nigerians

Likelihood of increased abnormal semen parameters among overweight and obese adult Nigerians because of the changing lifestyle exists. This study aimed to identify possible associations of obesity markers with sperm defects. 120 males (20-54years) were recruited after informed consent. Semen samples were collected from subjects by masturbation after 3-5 days of abstinence from sexual intercourse. Spermiogram was examined using WHO guidelines and ‘Strict’ criteria respectively. 10ml of blood was also obtained from each participant. Serum and seminal plasma were obtained by centrifugation of clotted blood and semen respectively. LH, FSH, Prolactin, Testosterone and Oestradiol were assayed using enzyme-immunoassay method whereas, cadmium, lead, Selenium and Zinc were assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using SPSS20. WHtR and WHR were not significantly associated with abnormal spermatogram, changes in serum and seminal plasma Cd, Pb, Zn and Se levels. BMI showed irregular patterns in its association with spermatogram, endocrine status and toxic metals. There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of waist circumference compared with sperm concentration (χ2=13.55, p=0.009) and total sperm count (χ2=11.26, p=0.02). Increased waist circumference was significantly associated with decrease in sperm concentration (β=-0.65, p=0.02) and normal morphology (β=- 0.54, p=0.049), but an increase in mid-piece defects (β=0.92, p=0.001), tail defects (β=0.73, p=0.009), teratozoospermia index (β=0.95, p=0.001) and sperm deformity index (β=0.64, p=0.02) as well as decreased serum T/E2 ratio (β=-0.55, p=0.04) but increased seminal plasma T/E2 ratio (β=0.69, p=0.01), as well as increased serum Cd (β=0.81, p=0.002). Increased waist circumference was significantly associated with abnormal spermatogram, changes in endocrine status and Cd to highlight its role in male infertility