ABSTRACT
Background: Male infertility has been reported following long-term sulfasalazine, however, the precise effects of co-trimoxazole on sperm quality is controversial
Objective: In this study, we evaluated the effects of co-trimoxazole and its co-administration with folic acid on sperm quality and histological changes of testes in male rats
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 136 male Wistar rats were divided into 9 groups: I [control], II [vehicle] received saline, III: received folic acid [1 mg/kg /daily i.p., and IV- IX received co-trimoxazole [30, 60, and 120 mg/kg/daily; i.p.]+folic acid [1 mg/kg/daily; i.p.] for 14 or 28 days. Sperm samples were obtained from each group at the end of 14[th] and 28[th] days. Sperm numbers, motility, and viability were evaluated on a hemocytometer. Hematoxylin and Eosin stained testes were done for evaluation of the number of Leydig cells, vascularity, spermatids, spermatocytes, and means of seminiferous tubules diameter under light microscopy
Results: Co-trimoxazole treatment for either 14 or 28 days caused a significant decrease in the percentage of sperm number, motility, and viability [p<0.001] compared to the control group. Also, high doses of co-trimoxazole caused a significant decrease in testes structural abnormalities means of seminiferous tubules diameter, spermatids, and spermatogonia] compared to the vehicle group [p<0.001]. Folic acid co-administration with co-trimoxazole partially reversed the decrease in sperm quality and structural abnormalities of high doses of co-trimoxazole [60 and 120 mg/kg/daily] [p<0.001]
Conclusion: The data showed the adverse effects of co-trimoxazole on sperm quality and testes morphology which was protected partially by folic acid co-administration in rats. The underlying mechanism [s] needs further investigations