The gut microbiota improves reproductive dysfunction in obese mice by suppressing the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis

Aim: To explore the complex relationship between gut microbiota, obesity-related male reproductive impairments, and the NLRP3 inflammasome. Methods: A high-fat diet was administered to induce obesity in a mouse model, fecal microbiota transplantation or a high-dietary fiber diet (HDFD) was administered for 5 weeks to evaluate changes in parameters related to reproductive capacity, NLRP3, gut microbiota composition and metabolites in mice. Results: A high-fat diet induces obesity and decreases reproductive capacity in male mice. Fecal microbiota transplantation and HDFD can improve reproductive capacity in obese mice by adjusting the gut microbiota population to suppress the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis, thereby reducing IL-1 beta levels. Conclusion: This study offers a potential treatment for obesity-induced reproductive dysfunction by targeting the gut microbiota and the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY This study looks at how gut bacteria, obesity and our immune system affect male reproductive health. We made mice obese by feeding them a high-fat diet. Then, we treated them with either a transplant of gut bacteria or a high-fiber diet for 5 weeks. We found that the high-fat diet made it harder for male mice to have babies. Both the transplant and the high-fiber diet helped improve their ability to reproduce. Changing the bacteria in their gut reduced inflammation by affecting the immune system. Our findings suggest that changing gut bacteria and focusing on this part of the immune system could help with reproductive problems caused by obesity.