Influence of antibiotics on spermatogenesis

The research progress on the impact of antibiotics on the male reproductive system

Antibiotics are extensively utilized in the livestock and poultry industry and can accumulate in animals and the environment, leading to potential health risks for humans via food and water consumption. Research on antibiotic toxicity, particularly their impact as endocrine disruptors on the male reproductive system, is still in its nascent stages. This review highlights the toxic effect of antibiotics on the male reproductive system, detailing the common routes of exposure and the detrimental impact and mechanisms of various antibiotic classes. Additionally, it discusses the protective role of food-derived active substances against the reproductive toxicity induced by antibiotics. This review aims to raise awareness about the reproductive toxicity of antibiotics in males and to outline the challenges that must be addressed in future research.

Insights into the Scenario of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Male Reproductive Toxicity

COVID-19 has become a significant public health concern that has catastrophic consequences for society. Some preliminary evidence suggests that the male reproductive system may be an infection target for SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 may be transmitted sexually, according to preliminary research. Testicular cells exhibit a high level of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which enhances the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. Some instances of COVID-19 have been documented to exhibit hypogonadism during the acute stage. Furthermore, systemic inflammatory reactions triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause oxidative stress (OS), which has been shown to have profoundly deleterious consequences on testicular functioning. This work gives a clear picture of how COVID-19 may affect male reproductive systems and calls attention to the many unanswered questions about the mechanisms by which this virus can be linked to men’s health and fertility.

An Update on the Relationship of SARS-CoV-2 and Male Reproduction

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19, up to now, infection cases have been continuously rising to over 200 million around the world. Male bias in morbidity and mortality has emerged in the COVID-19 pandemic. The infection of SARS-CoV-2 has been reported to cause the impairment of multiple organs that highly express the viral receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), including lung, kidney, and testis. Adverse effects on the male reproductive system, such as infertility and sexual dysfunction, have been associated with COVID-19. This causes a rising concern among couples intending to have a conception or who need assisted reproduction. To date, a body of studies explored the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproduction from different aspects. This review aims to provide a panoramic view to understand the effect of the virus on male reproduction and a new perspective of further research for reproductive clinicians and scientists.

Senecio biafrae defeated Tetracycline-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Adult Male Sprague Dawley Rats

Objective

The current study focused on the pro-fertility potential of Senecio biafrae (Sb) extract and vitamin C in Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with tetracycline-induced infertility.

Methods

A total of 36 male and 36 female adult SD rats were used for this investigation. The male rats randomly assigned to Group A (controls) were given normal saline 2ml/kg. Rats in Groups B, C, D, E, and F were respectively administered [30 mg/kg of body weight (bwt) of tetracycline], [30 mg/kg bwt of tetracycline + 50 mg/kg of vitamin C], [30 mg/kg bwt of tetracycline + 500 mg/kg bwt of Sb], [30 mg/kg bwt of tetracycline + 50 mg/kg of vitamin C + 500 mg/kg bwt of Sb], and [30 mg/kg bwt of tetracycline reversal] daily for 28 days via gastric gavage. Tested parameters included sperm parameters, hormonal profile, histology, and fertility test.

Results

Significant (p<0.05) increases were seen in sperm quality, hormone profile, organ and body weights of the groups treated with vitamin C, Sb, and tetracycline. There was derangement in sperm quality, hormone profile, and organ and body weight of the animals in group B. Histoarchtecture of the testes showed normal cellular composition in the germinal epithelium with sperm cells in the lumen and normal interstitium in groups A, C, D, and E. Group F showed abnormal spermatogenesis and poor association of spermatogenic cells, however there was depletion in the seminiferous epithelium in the group treated with tetracycline.

Conclusion

Senecio biafrae defeated the deleterious effects of tetracycline on the male reproductive system of rats treated with the drug.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of microorganisms in an assisted reproductive technology facility

OBJECTIVE

To perform a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the environmental microorganisms associated with two assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories.

DESIGN

Prospective descriptive study.

SETTING

Two ART laboratories at Greenville Hospital System (GHS) University Medical Center in Greenville, South Carolina.

PATIENT(S)

None.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of colony-forming units (CFU; bacteria and fungi) and particles from an embryology clean room and an andrology laboratory.

RESULT(S)

Within these laboratories, three of the sites sampled differed significantly in the mean number of CFU per plate. These sites included external laboratory surfaces, laboratory room air, and air within cell-culture incubators. The mean number of viable CFU per cubic meter of laboratory room air differed significantly between the two laboratories. A total of 23 unique microbial species were isolated from the andrology laboratory, whereas 10 unique species were isolated from the embryology clean room.

CONCLUSION(S)

The data herein suggest that the increased positive control measures used in the embryology clean room are effective in minimizing environmental biologic contamination.

New evidence of the influence of exogenous and endogenous factors on sperm count in man

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between individual exposures due to occupation, environment and lifestyle on sperm count, we conducted a case-control study among 92 fertile and 73 sub-fertile Caucasian males.

STUDY DESIGN

Data from questionnaires were analysed using simple univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULTS

At risk for oligozoospermia are men exposed to pesticides (odds ratio (OR) 8.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-52.1), welding (OR 2.8; CI 0.9-8.7), antibiotic use (OR 15.4; CI 1.4-163), a history of mumps (OR 2.9; CI 1.3-6.7), gastrointestinal complaints (OR 6.2; CI 1.4-26.8), decreased intake of fruits (OR 2.3; CI 1.0-5.1), vegetables (OR 1.9; CI 0.7-5.0), or with female fertility disorders in their families (OR 8.4; CI 1.7-41.9). Unlike other studies, no associations were observed between oligozoospermia and exposure to paint or heat.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests new risk factors oligozoospermia in man and confirms previously reported results from others.

Urologic complications of nonurologic medications

A physician must be aware of common drug side effects and interactions before prescribing a certain agent. In addition to the drugs that we, as urologists, prescribe, we must also be aware of the urologic side effects of drugs that are commonly prescribed by nonurologists. The mechanisms of the pharmacologic causes for voiding dysfunction, erectile and sexual dysfunction, infertility, and urolithiasis are often mutifactorial and incompletely understood. The recognition and association of a particular drug's potential side effects may save valuable time and money involved in the workup of a patient with a new urologic complaint. It is incumbent on the practicing urologist to be able to recognize the common, and sometimes subtle, urologic complications of medications that are used for nonurologic conditions.

Antibiotics: potential hazards to male fertility

Individual agents within each of the major classes of antibiotics have been shown to have significant adverse effects on spermatogenesis or spermatozoal function in mammals. For humans, infertility or significant alterations in semen parameters have been well documented for the nitrofurans and for patients on sulfasalazine. Other commonly used antibiotics, such as minocycline, have been shown to be toxic to sperm at any concentration. Until further information is available, clinicians must keep in mind that treatment with antibiotics may adversely affect the fertility potential of men. It is possible that some classes of antibiotic agents, such as the penicillins or the quinolones, may have minimal effects on male fertility and maintain the clinical efficacy for patients requiring long-term antibiotic suppressive therapy. Further investigation is needed into the relative toxicity of antibiotics and the mechanisms by which antibiotics affect spermatogenesis and spermatozoal function. A background of the current state of knowledge regarding the adverse effects of antibiotics on male fertility is presented in this review.

Toxicological study of etoposide (VP-16) in rats with special emphasis on testicular alteration

Etoposide (VP-16) was administered intravenously to rats for 3 months. Testicular alterations induced by etoposide (VP-16) at 0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg/d were thoroughly assessed with light and electron microscopy. Light microscopic analyses demonstrated disorganization and moderate depletion of germinal epithelium at 0.5 mg/kg/d, and complete germ cell depopulation at 1.5 mg/kg/d. Ultrastructural studies revealed degenerative changes in spermatogonia and early spermatocytes, appearance of large spermatids with multi-nuclei, and nuclear alterations and cytoplasmic vacuolation in Sertoli cells. Moreover, the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubule showed wavy lamellae and infolding to the seminiferous epithelium. Leydig cells manifested no significant ultrastructural changes. The small intestine and ovaries were not affected. The 2-month recovery period following cessation of treatment led to the recovery of these testicular alterations at the 0.5 mg/kg/d dose, but not at the 1.5 mg/kg/d dose. Judging from these results, etoposide (VP-16) induced damage primarily in spermatogenic cells, followed by Sertoli cells and the basement membrane in seminiferous tubules. Though reversible at intermediate doses, higher doses of VP-16 might produce irreversible testicular lesions.

Effects of drugs and chemicals on spermatogenesis

Many drugs and chemicals have been found which interfere with the process of spermatogenesis. Among these substances are, for example, sex-hormones (androgens, antiandrogens, estrogens, progestogens, anabolics), chemotherapeutics, antibiotics, antifungal drugs, anticancer drugs, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, antihypertensives, neuroleptics, dopaminantagonists, indols, tranquilizers, tricyclic antidepressives, heavy metals (Co, Cd), MAO-inhibitors, antimetabolites, barbiturates, immunosuppressives (glucocorticoids), aldosteronantagonists, anticonvulsives, and perhaps alcohol and nicotine. Concerning the mechanism by which spermatogenesis is effected several points of interference have to be considered: inhibition of gonadotrophin secretion, inhibition of enzymes involved in androgen biosynthesis, direct effects on the germinal epithelium or on Sertoli cell function, competitive inhibition of hormone action, damage of the blood-testes barrier and other mechanisms. Some of these mechanisms will be discussed.

Microbiological investigations on cryopreserved human semen

Primary mycological contamination was studied in 565 random human ejaculates. After sperm preservation at low temperature, secondary mycological contamination of 55 of the ejaculates was investigated. 25 ejaculates were cryopreserved with and without antibiotics and examined bacteriologically before and after different phases of cryopreservation. Furthermore, semen samples of several donors were inoculated with suspensions of different concentrations of yeasts and with the test bacteria Escherichia coli K 12 and Staphylococcus aureus SG 511. Microbiological results were then compared before and after cryopreservation. The following results were obtained: 1.9.8% of samples showed primary mycological contamination (1.9% with Candida albicans). 2. Cryopreservation reduced the concentration of fungi by more than 90% on average. 3. Only one semen sample was contaminated with bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus haemolyticus and Streptococcus nonhaemolyticus). Non-pathogenic bacteria were found in 11 ejaculates (Micrococcus luteus in 5 samples and Staphylococcus epidermidis in 6 samples), and contamination was largely unaffected by cryopreservation, even in the presence of antibiotics. 4. Test bacteria inoculated into semen were not influenced by the addition of antibiotics to the cryoprotective medium.

Tetracycline-labeled human bone from ancient Sudanese Nubia (A.D. 350)

Nubian bone recovered from an X-group cemetery (A.D. 350 to 550) exhibits a pattern of fluorescence identical to that of modern tetracycline-labeled bone. When it is viewed under ultraviolet light at 490 angstroms, fluorophors are visible as a characteristic yellow-green fluorescence on surfaces that were actively mineralizing at the time of exposure. Contamination of stored grains provided the proper environment for cultivation of tetracycline-producing Streptomycetes. Evidence for exposure to antibiotics in an archeological population is relevant to studies of the evolution of R factors and to the interpretation of health and disease within the population.