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Lipid concentrations and couple fecundity: the LIFE study
Enrique F Schisterman1, Sunni L Mumford, Richard W Browne
1Division of Intramural Population Health Research (E.F.S., S.L.M., Z.C., G.M.B.L.), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Rockville, Maryland 20852; Department of Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences (R.W.B.), University at Buffalo, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214; and Rollins School of Public Health (D.B.B.), Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322.
Higher serum free cholesterol in both men and women is linked to longer time to pregnancy (TTP). Maintaining lipid homeostasis is crucial for male and female fecundity.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Human Fecundity Research
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- Lipids, particularly cholesterol, are hypothesized to play a role in human fecundity.
- Cholesterol is a key substrate for steroid synthesis and influences hormonal balance and steroidogenesis.
- Previous research suggests lipids affect reproductive health in both sexes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum lipid concentrations in men and women and the time to pregnancy (TTP).
- To evaluate how individual and couple lipid profiles relate to fecundability.
Main Methods:
- A population-based prospective cohort study involving 501 couples planning pregnancy.
- Couples were followed for up to 12 months or until pregnancy was detected.
- Fecundability odds ratios (FORs) were calculated, adjusting for demographic factors, to assess lipid concentration effects.
Main Results:
- Elevated serum free cholesterol levels were observed in male and female partners of couples who did not conceive.
- Higher female free cholesterol concentrations were significantly associated with longer TTP.
- Male free cholesterol was associated with TTP in couple-based models, suggesting a joint effect.
Conclusions:
- Serum free cholesterol concentrations in both men and women impact TTP.
- These findings underscore the significance of cholesterol and lipid homeostasis for reproductive capacity in both sexes.
- Lipid profiles may be an important factor to consider in fertility assessments.
