Antibiotics: effect on cryopreserved-thawed human sperm motility in vitro

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Pharmacology
• Andrology

Background:

• Antibiotic use in reproductive medicine requires careful consideration of potential effects on sperm function.
• Understanding the impact of various antibiotics on sperm motility and fertilizing capacity is crucial for optimizing assisted reproductive technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of different antibiotics on sperm motility and fertilizing capacity.
• To determine the concentration-dependent effects of antibiotics on sperm parameters.

Main Methods:

• A prospective comparative study was conducted using pooled cryopreserved donor sperm (n=14).
• Sperm were treated with various antibiotics (amoxicillin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, nitrofurantoin monohydrate, doxycycline hyclate, cefuroxime axetil) or control medium.
• Sperm kinematic and fertilizing parameters were assessed.

Main Results:

• Physiologic concentrations of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and doxycycline hyclate decreased sperm hyperactivation over 48 hours.
• Pharmacologic concentrations of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, cefuroxime axetil, and nitrofurantoin monohydrate reduced sperm motility and rapid progression.
• Cefuroxime axetil and nitrofurantoin monohydrate caused cessation of motility and absence of hyperactivation.
• Cefuroxime axetil decreased the percentage of intact acrosomes.
• Physiologic doses of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride or ofloxacin enhanced sperm fertilizing capacity.

Conclusions:

• Ciprofloxacin altered sperm hyperactivation by affecting membrane properties; doxycycline inhibited capacitation.
• Cessation of motility with cefuroxime axetil was associated with disrupted sperm head membranes.
• Nitrofurantoin decreased sperm motility and fertilizing capacity due to reduced metabolism.
• Ofloxacin enhanced fertilizing capacity without affecting the acrosome.