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
ABSTRACT
Industrial copper ingest is a common form of poisoning in animals. Zinc has an important role in the physiology of spermatozoa, in sperm production and viability. This study was set to investigate whether the adverse effects of long term copper consumption on quality of rat spermatozoa could be prevented by zinc therapy. Forty eight mature [6-8 weeks old] male rats were randomly allocated to either control [Cont, n=12] or three treatment groups each containing twelve animals. Animals in the first treatment group was gavaged with copper sulfate, the second treatment group was injected with zinc sulfate, and the third treatment group was given combined treatment of copper and zinc. Control animals received normal saline using the same volume and similar methods. Six rats from each group were sacrificed on day 28 and 56 after treatments for sperm quality evaluations. In spite of testicular weight reduction 56 days after copper consumption in comparison to the control group [p=0.002], there was not a significant difference between the control and combined treatment of copper and zinc group [31.40 +/- 0.55 vs. 28.63 +/- 0.55, p=0.151]. Administration of copper caused a significant decrease in the sperm count, viability and motility after 56 days compared to the control group. However, a complete recovery in sperm count was seen in combined treatment of copper and zinc group after 56 days compared to the control group [p=0.999] and a partial improvement was seen about the percentage of viability and motility [p<0.001]. Adverse effects of long term consumption of copper on sperm quality could be prevented by zinc therapy in rats