Low folate status and related polymorphisms are associated with lower sperm quality in healthy males: The Lifestyle and Environmental Determinants of Seminogram and Other Male Fertility-Related Parameters (Led-Fertyl) cross-sectional study

Identifier:  imarina:9596624

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9596624

Authors:  Eigbefoh-Addeh, Ailende; Salas-Huetos, Albert; Ramos-Rodriguez, Carla; Santos-Calderon, Luis A; Agarwal, Rashmi; Salas-Salvado, Jordi; Babio, Nancy; McCann, Adrian; Ueland, Per M; Murphy, Michelle M

Abstract:
Background: Folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism is essential for deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis, methylation, and genomic integrity during spermatogenesis. Objectives: To study the associations between the status of folate, cobalamin, homocysteine, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affecting folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism, and sperm quality. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 197 healthy males (18-40 y) were recruited between 2021 and 2023. Plasma folate, red blood cell folate (RBCF), plasma cobalamin, total homocysteine, and SNPs affecting folate and cobalamin status were determined. Sperm quality parameters were assessed by World Health Organization 2010 criteria. Associations between B-vitamin status, genetic polymorphisms, and sperm quality parameters were assessed using multivariable linear and logistic regression analysis. Results: Median (25th and 75th percentiles) plasma folate was 14.2 (11.0, 17.8) nmol/L, and RBCF was 678.2 (582.3, 785.0) nmol/L. Deficiency, plasma folate