title: Obesity, energy balance and spermatogenesis.
abstract: Obesity has grown to pandemic proportions. It affects an increasing number of children, adolescents and young adults exposed to the silent comorbidities of this disorder for a longer period. Infertility has arisen as one important comorbidity associated with the energy dysfunction promoted by obesity. Spermatogenesis is a highly regulated process that is determined by specific energetic requirements. The reproductive potential of males relies on hormonal-dependent and -independent stimuli that control sperm quality. There are conflicting data concerning the impact of male overweight and obesity on sperm quality, as well as on the possible paternal-induced epigenetic trait inheritance of obesity. In addition, it remains a matter of debate whether massive weight loss induced by lifestyle interventions, drugs or bariatric surgery may or may not benefit obese men seeking fatherhood. Herein, we propose to discuss how energy balance may modulate hormonal signalling and sperm quality in overweight and obese men. We also discuss some molecular mechanisms that mediate obesity-related dysfunction in male reproductive system and how paternal obesity may lead to trait inheritance. Finally, we will discuss how lifestyle modifications and sustained weight loss, particularly the loss achieved by bariatric surgery, may revert some of the deleterious effects of obesity in men and their offspring.
authors.affiliation: Department of MicroscopyLaboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.|Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB)Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.|i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em SaúdeUniversity of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Pedro F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.affiliation: Department of MicroscopyLaboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.|Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB)Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.|Centre for Reproductive Genetics Prof. Alberto BarrosPorto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Mário
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.affiliation: CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research CentreUniversity of Beira Interior, Covilha, Portugal.
authors.forename: Branca M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB)Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.|Department of AnatomyInstitute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.|Obesity & Bariatric Services and Centre for Obesity ResearchUniversity College of London Hospitals, University College of London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Mariana P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Monteiro
authors.affiliation: Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB)Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal alvesmarc@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Marco G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Alves
mesh_terms: D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*