Browsing by Author "Basson, Kriston"

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    The effect of diet-induced obesity on fertility: a comparative study of male and female responses in a Wistar rat model.
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-02) Basson, Kriston; Skosana, Bongekile T.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Biomedical Sciences. Division of Medical Physiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Obesity has emerged as a major global health problem, affecting many physiological functions, including reproductive health. This study explored the complex relationship between diet-induced obesity (DIO) and fertility, by comparing the different responses of males and females in a Wistar rat animal model. This comparative investigation sought to observe any sex-specific variations in reproductive health in response to the diet, and to elucidate the physiological components that possibly contributed to these differences. 20 Wistar rats (initial body weight = 180 ± 10 grams (g)) were used in this study. The animals were housed at the Central Animal Facility of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, in stainless steel cages containing 4 rats per cage. They were maintained under a 12-hour day and 12-hour night cycle at 22- 25 ºC. Males and females were housed separately and were further divided into two groups, namely the control group and DIO group. The animals were fed the respective diets for 18 weeks. During the 18 weeks, random non-fasting glucose tests and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were performed to gain insights into glucose homeostasis and possible insulin resistance. Upon sacrifice, spermatozoa morphology and viability were assessed to explore alterations caused by obesity. To assess female reproductive capacity, vaginal smears were performed, which provide an overview of the effect of DIO on the estrous cycle. Biochemical analyses were performed to elucidate the underlying processes responsible for alterations in the reproductive parameters. Hormone analyses were assessed to investigate possible abnormalities in the endocrine system that may be linked to obesity. In addition, oxidative stress was assessed since it is a known contributor to both obesity and reproductive dysfunction. In conclusion, males and females responded differently to the obesogenic diet, with males expressing a more pronounced response in total body fat and adiposity index. https://scholar.sun.ac.za II Sex has an impact on hormone concentrations. Hence, studies solely examining obesity’s hormonal effects in males, cannot be extrapolated to females. This obesogenic diet did not induce oxidative stress or changes in sperm parameters. This study intends to contribute to expanding the knowledge regarding the effects of obesity on reproductive health but also to provide insight regarding sex-specific responses to interventions on fertility in both males and females.