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Published on: April 21, 2022
Antibiotic toxicity on human spermatozoa assessed using the sperm DNA fragmentation dynamic assay
Ana Tímermans1,2, Rosana Vázquez3, Fátima Otero1,2
1Genetics Unit, INIBIC-Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), A Coruña, Spain.
Abstract:
Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) dynamic assays were piloted on 4 fresh ejaculates to examine the possible sperm toxicity of three common antibiotics, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline and ampicillin, incubated at a concentration estimated to be reached in semen in vivo, and 100×, for 24 h. SDF was assessed in terms of single-strand DNA breaks (SSBs) and double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs). Low and high concentrations of ciprofloxacin and high concentration of doxycycline significantly increased the SDF rate, due to sperm containing SSBs. Ampicillin did not affect SDF dynamics at any dose. Based on these results, the effect of antibiotics on the global-SDF dynamics was further examined in 21 ejaculates assessed at 0, 4 and 6 h. Ciprofloxacin increased the rate of SDF at the low concentration in 17 from 21 subjects; the high concentration resulted in a stronger effect in all individuals. A significant increase in the rate of SDF in 17 ejaculates was also noted when spermatozoa were incubated with the high concentration of doxycycline. The dynamic SDF assay is a rapid and sensitive tool to evidence sperm toxicity. Ciprofloxacin should be avoided when it is necessary to preserve sperm quality for reproductive purposes and as additive in semen diluents.
Insights
Common antibiotics like ciprofloxacin and doxycycline can increase sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), impacting sperm health. Ciprofloxacin, in particular, poses a risk to sperm quality and should be avoided in reproductive contexts.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Pharmacology
- Spermatozoa toxicology
Background:
- Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is a key indicator of sperm DNA integrity.
- Antibiotics are frequently used, but their potential impact on sperm quality is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential sperm toxicity of ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, and ampicillin.
- To evaluate the impact of these antibiotics on sperm DNA fragmentation dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study using dynamic SDF assays on fresh ejaculates.
- Incubation of spermatozoa with antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, ampicillin) at in vivo and 100× concentrations for 24 hours.
- Assessment of single-strand DNA breaks (SSBs) and double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs).
- Further examination of SDF dynamics in 21 ejaculates over 0, 4, and 6 hours.
Main Results:
- Ciprofloxacin (low and high concentrations) and doxycycline (high concentration) significantly increased SDF rates, primarily due to SSBs.
- Ampicillin showed no significant effect on SDF dynamics at any tested concentration.
- Ciprofloxacin demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in SDF, affecting all subjects at high concentrations.
- High doxycycline concentration also significantly increased SDF in a majority of subjects.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic SDF assays are sensitive tools for detecting antibiotic-induced sperm toxicity.
- Ciprofloxacin poses a significant risk to sperm DNA integrity and should be avoided when preserving sperm quality is crucial.
- Consideration of antibiotic choice is essential in reproductive medicine and semen preservation.
