Serum lipid profile levels and semen quality: new insights and clinical perspectives for male infertility and men's health

PurposeSeveral clinical scenarios regulate the final ejaculated semen, which is pivotal to reproductive success. Sperm motility and plasma membrane fusogenic activity primarily rely on the peculiar sperm lipid composition, influenced by the patient's metabolism, genetics, nutritional, environmental status, and concomitant clinical entities such as varicocele. This study aimed to determine the relationship between serum lipid profile and testicular function (semen quality and testosterone levels).MethodsThis retrospective study uses medical charts of 278 infertile men who attended andrological care between 2000 and 2019. Seminal analysis data, lipid profile, and total serum testosterone were collected. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of the lipid parameters on the seminal variables. Statistical analyses were carried out with p & LE; 0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultsSeminal creatine kinase activity (p = 0.024) is negatively related to HDL (p = 0.032) and triglycerides (p = 0.037), while total testosterone (p < 0.0001) and seminal volume (p = 0.046) appeared both to be negatively related to triglycerides (p = 0.030 and p = 0.033, respectively).ConclusionMedical advice commonly advocated to prevent endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease and improve HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels in dyslipidemic patients should also be given to infertile men. Physicians should give patients a thorough assessment, including the blood lipid profile, hormonal status, and routine seminal examinations. We propose a more comprehensive men & PRIME;s health check-up for the infertile male population, not limited to a simple evaluation of basic sperm parameters.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the relationship between serum lipid profile and testicular function. A retrospective study was conducted on 278 infertile men, and data on seminal analysis, lipid profile, and total serum testosterone were collected. The results showed that seminal creatine kinase activity was negatively related to HDL and triglycerides, while total testosterone and seminal volume were both negatively related to triglycerides. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment, including blood lipid profile, hormonal status, and routine seminal examinations, is recommended for infertile men.