Objective: To determine the leptin levels in the serum of normal, subfertile and infertile men.
Study design: Analytical study.
Place and duration of study: Department of Animal Sciences Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad and Dr. Salma and Kafeel Medical Centre, Islamabad, from April to December 2009.
Methodology: Serum leptin levels hormonal concentrations (LH, FSH and testosterone) were determined by EIA in 154 males including 24 (15.58%) fertile, 19 (12.34%) polyzoospermic (PZs), 26 (16.88%) teratozoospermic (TZs), 27 (17.53%) astheno-teratozoospermic (ATZs), 18 (11.69%) oligozoospermic (OZs), 18 (11.69%) oligo-astheno-teratozoospermic (OATZs), 11 (7.14%) obstructive azoospermic (OBST-AZOOs) and 11 (7.14%) non-obstructive azoospermic (NON-OBSTAZOOs). BMI was also determined, divided into groups of greater than 24. Hormonal concentrations were compared by ANOVA and correlation was performed by using Graph pad prism version 5.
Results: Significantly high levels of leptin concentrations were found in fertile (p < 0.001) as well as TZs, PZs, OZs, ATZs, (p < 0.001), OATZs (p < 0.01) and NON-OBST-AZOOs (p < 0.05) male subjects with BMI > 24 compared to fertile and infertile male patients with BMI < 24. Serum testosterone concentrations were significantly lower in PZs, OATZs, OZs, NON-OBST-AZOOs male patients with BMI < 24 compared to PZs (p < 0.05), OATZs, OZs (p < 0.01), OBST-AZOOs (p < 0.001) male patients with BMI > 24. Leptin showed a significant positive correlation with LH (p < 0.01) and FSH (p < 0.002) and a significant negative correlation with testosterone (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Abnormal leptin level was significantly associated with fertility problems in males. Providing a link between leptin and reproduction factors contributing in control of testosterone and gonadotropins secretion in many aspects depending on fertility status in male subjects. BMI appears to have significant association with serum leptin levels.