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Updated: Jul 20, 2025
08:58
Fluorimetric Techniques for the Assessment of Sperm Membranes
Published on: November 28, 2018
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Proton pump inhibitors affect sperm parameters by regulating aquaporins
Fadian Ding1, Yuxin Liu2, Jintong Chen3
1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China.
Heliyon
|August 4, 2023
Summary
Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) significantly reduces sperm count and acrosomal integrity. PPIs may disrupt sperm function by altering aquaporin expression and increasing estrogen levels.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Mechanisms
Background:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used, but concerns exist regarding long-term adverse effects.
- The molecular mechanisms underlying PPI-induced sperm abnormalities require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the molecular mechanisms of sperm abnormality induced by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
- To investigate the impact of omeprazole on sperm parameters, aquaporin expression, liver cytochrome enzyme activity, and estrogen levels.
Main Methods:
- Omeprazole was administered to rats for 28 days.
- Sperm count and acrosomal integrity were assessed.
- Expression of aquaporins in testes, epididymis, and spermatozoa was analyzed.
- Liver cytochrome enzyme activity, serum estrogen, and ALT levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Omeprazole treatment reduced sperm count and acrosomal integrity.
- Aquaporin 3 and 8 expression increased in the testis, while aquaporin 7 decreased.
- Aquaporin 3 and 7 expression increased in the epididymis and sperm, while aquaporin 8 decreased.
- Liver cytochrome enzyme activity decreased, while estrogen and ALT levels increased.
Conclusions:
- PPIs may induce sperm dysfunction by inhibiting liver cytochrome enzyme activity, leading to elevated estrogen levels.
- Altered aquaporin expression in reproductive tissues likely contributes to PPI-induced sperm abnormalities.
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