Alterations in the Morphology of the Testis and Epididymis Caused by the Consumption of Hyperlipidic Diets in Wistar Rats.

Obesity is considered a metabolic disease, in which leptin is used as an indicator of energy in the body. This hormone, in turn, is related to the neuroendocrine regulation of the reproductive axis. However, leptin excess secretion due to obesity can have a negative effect on reproduction. Overweight and obesity were induced through high-calorie diets. Lee and gonadosomatic indices were determined to characterize the model and degree of reproductive development in the testis and epididymis. Sperm quality was analyzed using spermatobioscopy. Morphometry was analyzed through histological analysis. The changes described affect testicular function in hormone and sperm production. Exposure of 3-month-old male rats to diets with different fat contents (10% and 60%) induced both overweight and obesity. The animals showed morphological alterations, both testicular and epididymal, the latter being more sensitive to dietary changes by modifying the epididymal index, morphometric parameters (in both organs), and a decrease in cilia length. These changes induced a reduction in sperm viability, as well as an increase in malformed spermatozoa. In conclusion, both overweight and obesity have effects on male reproduction by modifying the morphology and physiology of reproductive organs.