Topic :

Deciphering the interactions between gut microbiota and male fertility

Summary :

The number of infertile couples has been increasing steadily since the 80s, with 1 in 6 couples infertile worldwide currently. In 50% of these cases, the causes can be traced to men. However, the causes remain unknown in ~4 out of 10 infertile men. A rising concern is the increase of obesity and dyslipidemias in adults of reproductive age, which are associated with male infertility. However, the mechanisms behind it are not well understood.

The scarce evidence suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis may impact male fertility. In this talk, Professor O'Flaherty will discuss current knowledge on the relationships between gut microbiota dysbiosis and male infertility, particularly the effects of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis on male fertility. The goal of their research is to provide deeper insights into the role of gut microbiota in male fertility, aiming to establish a Gut-Testis axis. Ultimately, this research will lay the groundwork for future studies exploring the gut microbiome as a novel treatment for male infertility.

About Prof. Cristian O'Flaherty

Prof. Cristian O'Flaherty holds a D.V.M and Ph.D. in animal physiology and biochemistry degrees from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. He completed his postdoctoral training in human sperm physiology and toxicology at the Urology Division and the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at McGill University. He is a full professor in the Department of Surgery (Division of Urology) at McGill University and a senior medical scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. Prof. O'Flaherty is the Co-Director of the Reseau Quebecois en Reproduction and a member of the American Society of Andrology Board of Directors. He held the position of associate editor of Andrology and Human Reproduction (2019-2025) and is an associate editor of Antioxidants, as well as a member of the Editorial Board of the Biology of Reproduction and the Asian Journal of Andrology.

Prof. O'Flaherty's research program focuses on male reproduction, specifically on the molecular mechanisms involved in the production and function of healthy spermatozoa, as well as the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in sperm physiology and toxicology. Dr. O'Flaherty was the first to identify the primary role of peroxiredoxin 6 in protecting spermatozoa against oxidative stress and the participation of peroxiredoxins in regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) during sperm capacitation. He is dedicated to deciphering the molecular mechanisms that drive the spermatozoon to achieve fertilizing ability, elucidating the impact of gut microbiota in male fertility and infertility, and developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for infertile men.

First Conjoint Meeting between ISM and RIKEN,
October 8-9, 2025 - Tokyo, Japan
www.microbiota-ism.com/tokyo/