The effect of methadone, buprenorphine, and shift of methadone to buprenorphine on sperm parameters and antioxidant activity in a male rat model

Haddadi, Mohammadreza; Ai, Jafar; Shirian, Sadegh; Kadivar, Ali; Farahmandfar, Maryam

doi:10.1007/s00580-019-03054-2

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 14 publications

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“…A recent study has shown that following 42 days of treatment of adult rats with high dose (60 mg/kg/ daily) of methadone and buprenorphine (12 mg/kg/daily), the oxidative stress has raised considerably resulting in a loss of gonadotropin hormones and some changes in sperm parameters. However, they could not detect significant differences in sperm parameters between methadone and buprenorphinetreated groups (Haddadi et al 2019). Our study for the first time (to our knowledge) used a morphine-dependence and detoxification protocol in mice to mimic those often used in human replacement therapy protocols.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

Opioid replacement therapy with methadone or buprenorphine effects on male mice reproduction

et al. 2022

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Rationale Opioid use disorders are commonly treated by long-acting agonist opioids including methadone and buprenorphine which could affect various aspects of male reproduction especially spermatogenesis. Objectives We aimed to determine whether detoxification with methadone or buprenorphine was associated with reproductive disorders in male mice. Methods We orally induced morphine dependence in NMRI male mice, and then performed detoxification programs using either methadone or buprenorphine. Testis architecture and sperm parameters including sperm nuclear DNA integrity, mitochondrial activity, oxidative stress in seminal plasma, and routine sperm parameters were assessed to find the involved mechanisms. ResultsThe number of Leydig cells and the thickness of germinal epithelium reduced following morphine use and increased differently after detoxification with methadone or buprenorphine. Morphine dependence and detoxification with methadone and buprenorphine had different effects on sperm parameters. Morphine altered chromatin integrity, mitochondrial activity, and oxidative stress in sperm. Detoxification with methadone improved mitochondrial activity but worsened chromatin integrity, whereas detoxification with buprenorphine improved neither chromatin integrity nor mitochondrial activity. Seminal plasma oxidative stress was higher in the treated groups compared to control groups but was comparable among treatment groups. Our study revealed that long-term morphine use followed by detoxification with methadone or buprenorphine impairs testis structure and sperm parameters. Detoxification from morphine use with methadone and buprenorphine led to different preclinical outcomes in semen quality parameters, including chromatin integrity. Therefore, clinical detoxification protocols should be performed more cautiously, considering the desire of the individuals to reproduce.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%