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The effect of body mass index on sperm DNA fragmentation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

International Journal of Obesity volume 44, pages 549–558 (2020)Cite this article

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Abstract

Background

Current evidence supports the association between the high sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and the poor fertilization rate following either natural conception or assisted reproductive techniques (ART). On the other hand, there are conflicting results regarding the decreased sperm DNA integrity in men with high body mass index (BMI).

Objective

We aimed at the present systematic review and meta-analysis at evaluating the association between BMI and SDF.

Methods

We searched databases of Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to May 2019, to identify observational studies that assessed the associations between BMI and SDF. BMI was classified, according to the standard BMI classifications, into six categories including underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5–24.99), overweight (25–29.99), class I obesity (30–34.99), class II obesity (35–39.99), and class III obesity (≥40). Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of SDF were calculated by using a random-effects model for BMI categories.

Results

The initial extensive literature search yielded 33,739 potentially relevant articles (3,917 from Medline, 781 from Embase, 12,685 from Scopus, and 9,348 from Web of Science). Fourteen studies (nine cross-sectional, four cohort, and one case–control studies), with a total number of 8,255 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. Finally, three studies reported higher SDF levels in obese men (BMI = 30–34.99) compared with normal-weight men (BMI < 25) (SMD: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.46, P = 0.05, I2 = 0%), but there was no difference between other categories.

Conclusions

There is insufficient data to demonstrate a positive association between BMI and SDF. Our findings provide a rationale for conducting further cohort studies for evaluation of the association between BMI and SDF, considering potential confounders.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

    Mahdi Sepidarkish

  2. Research Development Center, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Arezoo Maleki-Hajiagha

  3. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

    Saman Maroufizadeh

  4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Mahroo Rezaeinejad

  5. Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran

    Amir Almasi-Hashiani

  6. Pregnancy Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran

    Maryam Razavi

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  1. Mahdi Sepidarkish
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Correspondence to Maryam Razavi.

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Sepidarkish, M., Maleki-Hajiagha, A., Maroufizadeh, S. et al. The effect of body mass index on sperm DNA fragmentation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Obes 44, 549–558 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-020-0524-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-020-0524-8

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