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Meta-Analysis
. 2024 Feb 22;24(1):47.
doi: 10.1186/s12894-024-01424-9.

The association between hepatitis B virus and semen quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Yuting Xu #  1 , Kai Gan #  2 , Liqing Hou  1 , Huawei Wang  3 , June Cai  1 , Liu Liu  3 , Wen Wen  3 , Meng Rao  4 , Li Tang  5
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

The association between hepatitis B virus and semen quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Yuting Xu et al. BMC Urol. .

Abstract

Background: Some studies have suggested that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection had a negative association with semen quality, but the conclusions have been inconsistent. The purpose of our study was to systematically assess the association between HBV infection and semen parameters.

Methods: We searched electronic databases for studies published from January 1980 to August 2023. Eleven studies were included in the analysis. Primary outcomes were semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, sperm motility and sperm progressive motility. We also conducted a subgroup analysis between China and other countries.

Result: Compared with the semen quality of HBV-negative men, HBV infection had a negative association with semen volume (MD: -0.20 mL, 95%CI: -0.32 to - 0.09, P = 0.0004), sperm concentration (MD: -4.46 × 106/mL, 95%CI: -7.09 to - 1.84, P = 0.0009), sperm morphology (MD: -2.49%, 95%CI: -4.35 to - 0.64, P = 0.008), sperm motility (MD: -6.85%, 95%CI: -11.53 to - 2.18, P = 0.004), and sperm progressive motility (MD: -6.63%, 95%CI: -10.24 to - 3.02, P = 0.0003). However, HBV infection had no significant association with total sperm count (MD: -31.50 × 106, 95%CI: -74.11 to 11.10, P = 0.15). The association between HBV and semen quality were inconsistent between the subgroups.

Conclusion: HBV infection had a negative association with sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and semen volume. However, The association between HBV and total sperm count remain unclear. This metaanalysis suggests that we should pay attention to the adverse effect of HBV on sperm quality, and several studies have reported the relevant mechanisms. But due to the significant heterogeneity among studies on some semen parameters, further large and well-designed researches are needed before introducing clinical management recommendations.

Keywords: Hepatitis B virus; Meta-analysis; Semen quality; Systematic review.

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Conflict of interest statement

Not applicable.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow chart
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Effects of hepatitis B virus (HBV) on semen volume (A), sperm concentration (B), and total sperm count (C)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Effects of hepatitis B virus (HBV) on sperm morphology (A), sperm motility (B) and sperm progressive motility (C)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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