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Stable Isotope In-Vivo Labeling for Mass-Spectrometry Identification of Paternal Metabolites Transferred from Sperm to Oocyte During Fertilization
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Exploring the causal associations between obesity indicators and male reproductive diseases: new evidence from

Huijuan Wei1, Haoting Chen2, Yifei Lin3

  • 1Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China. HuijW1@outlook.com.

Basic and Clinical Andrology
|November 11, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mendelian randomization revealed that generalized obesity, indicated by body mass index (BMI), is linked to a higher risk of erectile dysfunction. Conversely, central obesity, measured by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), is associated with a reduced risk of testicular dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Obesity Medicine
  • Genetic Epidemiology

Background:

  • Obesity is a growing global health concern.
  • Male reproductive disorders represent a significant health issue.
  • The causal relationship between obesity and male reproductive health requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate potential causal links between obesity indicators and male reproductive disorders.
  • To utilize Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis for robust causal inference.
  • To differentiate the effects of generalized versus central obesity on male reproductive health.

Main Methods:

  • Employed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data.
  • Conducted univariable MR to assess associations between three obesity indicators and five male reproductive disorders.
  • Performed multivariable MR to adjust for pleiotropy and potential confounders.

Main Results:

  • Univariable MR suggested associations between waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and testicular dysfunction, and body mass index (BMI) and erectile dysfunction.
  • Multivariable MR confirmed a suggestive association between WHR and decreased risk of testicular dysfunction (OR=0.23, P=0.008).
  • Multivariable MR also indicated a suggestive association between BMI and increased risk of erectile dysfunction (OR=1.22, P=0.006).

Conclusions:

  • Generalized obesity (BMI) is suggestively associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction.
  • Central obesity (WHR) is suggestively associated with a decreased risk of testicular dysfunction.
  • Findings highlight distinct roles of different obesity types in male reproductive health.
Keywords:
Male reproductive diseasesMendelian randomizationObesity

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