A Mendelian randomization study on causal relationship between metabolic factors and abnormal spermatozoa

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Metabolic health
• Genetics

Background:

• Male infertility is a significant global health concern.
• The relationship between metabolic status and spermatogenesis requires further clarification.
• Understanding metabolic impacts on semen quality is crucial for developing interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationship between various metabolic factors and abnormal spermatozoa using Mendelian randomization.
• To identify specific metabolic risk factors contributing to male infertility.
• To provide evidence for targeted disease screening and prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted.
• 16 metabolic factors were assessed for their causal effects on abnormal spermatozoa.
• Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) data and rigorous statistical methods (IVW, MR-Egger, weighted median) were utilized.

Main Results:

• Body fat percentage was found to be causally associated with an increased risk of abnormal spermatozoa (OR = 1.49).
• Resistin levels also showed a causal association with a higher risk of abnormal spermatozoa (OR = 1.55).
• No significant causal effects were observed for other metabolic traits, glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, uric acid, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Conclusions:

• Body fat percentage and resistin are identified as significant risk factors for abnormal spermatozoa.
• These findings have implications for clinical interventions and therapies in managing male infertility.
• Further large-scale GWASs are recommended to explore impacts on spermatogenesis in specific subgroups.