The Impact of Gemcitabine-induced Reproductive Toxicity on The Sperm count and Morphology of Albino Rats

Cancer treatments can affect sperm production and a significant percentage of cancer patients may develop permanent azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia after chemotherapy. To investigate the influence of Gemcitabine toxicity on the reproductive system of albino male rats (sperm count and morphology). An experimental animal study conducted in the zoology department, College of Science, King Saud University during the period from June to October 2014 using albino rats (Rattusnorvegicus) (Wistar strain). Males were divided into four different groups (control" 0 mg/kg",7 mg/kg,14 mg/kg, and 21 mg/kg). The reproductive organs, testicles and epididymis decreased in weight and atrophied in most of the animals treated with the drug in various doses. The mean absolute and relative epididymal weights were also significantly decreased. In the drug-effects recovery group, neither the testicles nor the epididymis in the animals treated with the three doses recovered fully normal weight. The testis's efficiency in producing sperm was significantly decreased at all doses. In the recovery group, the testis regained its efficiency, as no significant difference was recorded between the drug-treated groups and the control group. The drug caused complete loss of sperm, in a rat treated with the big dose. Gemcitabine caused a significant increase in the percentage of deformed sperms in all treated animals. Gemcitabine drug has high toxicity on the reproductive system of rats with a dose tenth of human dose, with a massive decrease in the count and quantity of sperm, which means that this drug can have more toxicity effects on human.

Combined action of X-rays and nonylphenol on mouse sperm

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of 2-weeks’ X-ray and/or nonylphenol (NP) exposure on male mice’s sperm count and quality. Pzh:SFIS mice were exposed to X-rays (0.05 Gy, 0.10 Gy, 0.20 Gy) or to nonylphenol (25 mg/kg bw, 50 mg/kg bw, 100 mg/kg bw) or to both agents (0.05 Gy + 25 mg/kg bw NP, 0.10 Gy + 50 mg/kg bw NP). At 24 h and 5 weeks after the end of exposure the sperm count, morphology and frequency of DNA damage in the male germ cells were estimated. Each agent alone diminished sperm count and morphology. The dose of 0.05 Gy of X-rays decreased the frequency of DNA damage. Combined exposure to lower doses of both agents significantly improved sperm morphology and decreased the level of DNA damage compared to one agent alone. Combined exposure to higher doses reduced the frequency of DNA damage compared to the effect of the appropriate dose of NP. Results of combined exposure to low doses of both agents suggest that 0.05 Gy of X-rays stimulate the DNA damagecontrol system and in consequence repair of DNA caused by X-rays and NP. It may be correlated with increased antioxidant capacity.