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The effects of morphine abuse on sperm parameters, chromatin integrity and apoptosis in men

Saeed Ghasemi-Esmailabad1,2, Amir Hossein Talebi3, Ali Reza Talebi1,4,5

  • 1Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

JBRA Assisted Reproduction
|January 7, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Morphine use significantly reduces sperm motility in men, potentially impacting male fertility. This study highlights the negative effects of morphine dependence on sperm quality.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Toxicology
  • Andrology

Background:

  • Morphine, a primary psychoactive compound in opium, is known to elevate free radical production.
  • Elevated free radicals can adversely impact spermatogenesis, the process of sperm formation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of morphine consumption on sperm parameters.
  • To assess the effects of morphine on sperm DNA integrity and apoptosis in men.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 30 men with morphine dependency and 30 healthy controls.
  • Sperm parameters (count, motility, morphology) and chromatin quality were evaluated using Aniline Blue, Toluidine blue, and Chromomycin A3 stains.
  • Participants were matched for age, weight, and smoking habits.

Main Results:

  • Men with morphine dependency exhibited significantly decreased sperm progressive motility (p=0.038) and total motility (p=0.000) compared to controls.
  • While morphine abuse suggested a decrease in sperm chromatin condensation and an increase in apoptosis, these findings were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

  • Morphine dependence can impair male fertility through adverse effects on sperm parameters.
  • Further research may be warranted to explore the non-statistically significant trends observed in chromatin condensation and apoptosis.
Keywords:
DNAchromatinhumanmorphinesperm parameters

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