Adipose tissue and fertility; quantity and quality aspects in human studies

Undesirable effects of obesity on fertility dates back as early as the 10th century by Avicenna. Recently, the higher the rate of obesity, the lower the fertility rate was reported, too. Adipose tissue (AT) is not only a tissue in which energy is stored, but it is also involved in regulating several body functions. Two major points have had pivotal points of investigation in the field of AT and fertility: first (quantity), the indices for obesity identification and fertility rate and second (quality), AT fatty acid profiles as well as genes related to steroid metabolism in AT. It was reported that subfertile persons have a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) than the general population. But little information exists on the effective use of other obesity indices (Sagittal abdominal diameter, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist-to-hip ratio) for infertile men/women when some of them are introduced as the best predictor of abdominal fat. Quality aspects are focused on fatty acid profiles, especially for dietary fatty acids and AT fatty acid profiles. It is a concern that the elevated omega-6 concentration and omega-6: omega-3 fatty acid ratio in AT. Similarly, expression of genes related to steroid metabolism in Subcutaneous and Ventral AT were inadequately touched on, which requires further studies by reproductive viewpoints.The critical roles of AT fatty acids as well as AT locality importance in reproduction are undertreated issue. The several aspects of current study will be applied to better understand AT functions improving fertility in obese men/women.

Keywords:

Adipose tissue , Fertility , Men , Women