Effects of aflatoxin B1 exposure on sperm in rodents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Exposure to aflatoxin B1 can be associated with reproductive toxicity, accompanied by decreased sperm concentration in animal models. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the correlation between aflatoxin B1 exposure and sperm concentrations of male rodents (both mice and rats). According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 articles were selected to assess in the current meta-analysis. The random effects and pooled analysis indicated that sperm concentration was decreased in mice [MD sperm = -20.79×10⁶/sperm/g testis (95%CI =-1.3 to -50.5)] and in rats [-24.34×10⁶/sperm/g testis (95%CI: -7.60 to -44.35)] after exposure to aflatoxin B1 compared with control groups. A significant heterogeneity was found among studies (for mice I²=99.7%, %, P<0.000 and rats =I²=98.8, P<0.000). The findings of present meta-analysis showed the association between aflatoxin B1 exposure and a decrease in sperm concentration in rodents.