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Published on: March 5, 2022
Possible correlations between infertility and adverse metabolic profile: a case-control study.
Carmen Imma Aquino1, Nicole Vercellino2, Elisabetta Fortina1
1Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 'Maggiore Della Carità' Hospital, 28100 Novara, Italy.
Summary
Adverse metabolic profiles and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are linked to infertility. Genetic predisposition and specific biomarkers may increase the risk of infertility in couples.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Hepatology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Lifestyle factors like obesity significantly impact fertility in both men and women.
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and general metabolic disturbances are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to infertility.
- Endocrinological dysregulation, as seen in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and hypogonadism, is associated with metabolic issues and infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between metabolic-hepatic disorders, particularly MASLD and its markers, and infertility.
- To analyze metabolic disturbances and their prevalence in infertile individuals compared to fertile controls.
- To assess the genetic predisposition to MASLD within the study population by genotyping participants.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, case-control study was conducted on an Italian cohort of couples.
- Data collected included personal health and metabolic information via questionnaires, blood tests, liver elastometry (FibroScan), and genetic analysis of MASLD-related variants.
- A polygenic risk score (PRS-5) was calculated using specific genetic variants (TMP6SF2, GCKRP446L, MBOAT7, PNPLA3, HSD17B13).
Main Results:
- The study included 253 participants, with 213 undergoing liver FibroScan and 192 genetic analyses.
- Infertile patients exhibited higher levels of AST/ALT (fibrosis markers), CAP (steatosis marker), and abdominal circumference compared to controls.
- The PRS-5 demonstrated an association with infertility status, indicating that a higher PRS-5 score may increase the likelihood of belonging to the at-risk (infertile) group.
Conclusions:
- Adverse metabolic profiles are associated with various alterations potentially impacting couple fertility.
- Genetic variants and metabolic disturbances, including MASLD, may play a significant role in reduced fertility.
- Further research into these links could inform new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for infertility.
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