[The toxic effect of seminal plasma from smokers on sperm function in non-smokers]

Tobacco smoking is recognized as a general health hazard, and evidence indicates that cigarette smoking affects reproductive health in both men and women. The aim of this study was to provide evidence that cigarette smoking affects male fertility via altering the semen and sperm quality.

We evaluated the direct effect of seminal plasma (SP) (in the different dilutions with PBS, 1/0; 1/1; 1/2; 1/6; 1/10) from smokers (SM) on spermatozoa from non-smokers (NSM).

Exposure of spermatozoa from NSM to the SP from SM yielded an impairment in the membrane integrity by elevation in MDA (Malondialdehyde) levels, a decline in the sperm viability, and a decrease in the number of halos (clear regions around sperm heads due to acrosome reaction on the gelatin slides), in a certain time course.

Exposure of spermatozoa from the SM to the SP from the NSM resulted in the improvement in sperm dysfunction. It may indicate that removal of smokers SP and then subsequent reconstitution with SP containing sufficient antioxidant systems could be of clinical significance in the various assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) applied for smokers.