Serum Leptin Levels In Infertile Males

Background.The incidence of obesity is on the rise and infertility among men is also agrowing problem in the recent years. Leptin, an adipocyte derived protein hormone, has emerged asa metabolic link between nutrition and fertility by its involvement in regulation of reproductive functionin both experimental animals and humans. Several studies support the role of serum leptin in theregulation of gonadal functions in men indirectly via the central neuroendocrine system and directlyvia peripheral tissue membrane receptors. Establishment of such a link may provide a new insightinto the causes of infertility and may lead to better treatment modalities in infertile men. In this study we aim to compare the serum leptin levels among a group of normospermic and oligospermic menand correlate leptin levels with Body Mass Index(BMI). Materials and Methods.A cross sectional casecontrol study was conducted among 60 men at the age group of 25 to 40 years attending an infertilityclinic. 30 men diagnosed as oligospermic as per WHO criteria (less than 15 million sperm per ml,consistent with the 5th percentile for fertile men) were grouped as cases.30 men withnormospermiawere selected as controls.The height,weight and BMI was calculated. 5 ml of blood was collected andserum leptin levels were analysed using the leptin ELISA kit. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS software version 7.5. Independent student t test was employed.p value less than 0.05 was taken as significant.Results.Oligospermic males had a significantly higher BMI than that of the controls. The mean serum leptin levels of the oligospermic males was found to be significantly higher Than that of the controls. A strong positive correlation was observed between the BMI and leptin l e v e l s o f b o t h t h e s t u d groups.Conclusion.Increased BMI and serum leptin levels in oligospermic males suggest that obesity is associated with infertility in men and a possible link between the adipocyte derived hormone, leptin and male gonadal dysfunction.