Antibiotic toxicity on human spermatozoa assessed using the sperm DNA fragmentation dynamic assay

Abstract

Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) is being recognized as a new parameter of sperm quality complementary to the standard semen analysis and as a potential predictor of fertility (Esteves et al., 2021;Lewis, 2015; Zini & Agarwal, 2018). Three main mechanisms are considered as origins of SDF. Firstly, transient DNA breaks may be produced during spermiogenesis by a type II topoisomerase, TOP2B, to relax supercoiling and facilitate the replacement of histones by protamines (Laberge & Boissonneault, 2005). In defective spermiogenesis, DNA breaks can persist, not joined and consequently detected as DNA fragmentation in mature sperm cells (Leduc et al., 2008). Secondly, DNA breaks can be the consequence of DNA attack by excessive local levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or other free radicals, overcoming antioxidant defences, that is oxidative stress, during or after sperm maturation (Aitken, 2020;Henkel et al., 2005). Finally, massive DNA breakage may be an endpoint from a particular apoptotic-like process, due to activated DNase activity (Sakkas et al., 2003; Zini & Agarwal, 2018).While andrological or systemic diseases may increase SDF through one or more of the mechanisms highlighted above, it is also possible that exposure to hazardous agents, such as toxic chemicals, pesticides, antitumor drugs or radiations, may trigger the SDF process, possibly by means of its secondarily influence on one or several sperm targets, resembling the apoptotic response from somatic cells. Thus, SDF assessment is likely to be useful in the discipline of reproductive toxicology (Evenson & Wixon, 2005).

Resveratrol Ameliorates Vancomycin-Induced Testicular Dysfunction in Male Rats

“…A growing concern has been raised over the possibility that antibiotics may adversely affect human fertility [ 3 , 13 , 45 ]. Vancomycin is considered one of the most common antibiotics used globally for treating severe Gram-positive infections caused by meticillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) [ 5 , 46 ].…”

Short-Term Storage of Rooster Ejaculates: Sperm Quality and Bacterial Profile Differences in Selected Commercial Extenders

“…Inversely, the loss of DNA integrity has become a focal side effect of ATB supplementation in sperm processing media. Recent studies have unraveled the deleterious effects of high ATB doses on the DNA stability of male gametes, particularly in the case of ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, or gentamycin [ 55 , 56 ]. In our case, however, a significantly decreased rate of sperm DNA damage was observed in the experimental groups supplemented with KAN in comparison to their unsupplemented counterparts.…”

Strategies for Bacterial Eradication from Human and Animal Semen Samples: Current Options and Future Alternatives

“…These recurrent patterns may be accompanied by the horizontal or vertical transmission of bacterial resistance, which may pose a concerning threat to public health, the food chain, and the stability of ecosystems [ 44 ]. Furthermore, several studies have reported the significant negative effect of antibiotic supplements, such as gentamicin, streptomycin-penicillin, ciprofloxacin or doxycycline, on sperm motility, membrane, and DNA integrity as well as overall fertilization ability, stressing the need for the prudent use of antibiotics during sperm preservation [ 45 , 46 , 47 ]. Thus, the search for alternative options that would eliminate bacteria from semen by different means, while preventing the spread of bacterial resistance and additional cytotoxicity, has become a reality.…”