Comparative Study Of Artesunate, ACTs And Their Combinants On The Spermatic Parameters Of The Male Guinea-Pig

Abstract

Summary:In this study, the comparative effects of half, normal and double clinical doses of artesunate; artesunate/sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine; artesunate/amodiaquine and their combinants (sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine and amodiaquine) on the semen parameters-total sperm count, motility, morphology, debris and premature/primordial cell count of the male guinea-pig were investigated. The agents caused significant (p<0.05) decreases in total sperm count and sperm motility, with increases in abnormal sperm cells (morphology), debris and premature sperm cells. The effects were maximal at the subclinical doses and synergistic in the ACTs, compared to those of the individual partner agents. Artesunate, amodiaquine and artesunate/amodiaquine caused 54, 28 and 84% decreases in total sperm count, with 13, 31 and 64% decreases in sperm motility respectively. Conversely, the above drugs increased baseline morphology by 70, 30 and 264% respectively. Similar synergistic responses were obtained with artesunate/sufadoxine/pyrimethamine. These results may be explained in terms of the oxidative effects of these agents, through generation of free radicals, resulting in pathological damage to testicular structure/function.

Biochemical and Histopathological Effects of Coadministration of Amodiaquine, Artesunate, and Selenium on Plasmodium Berghei Infected Mice

“…However, GSH and SOD were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in ACT treated group as compared with the positive control. This correlates with the findings of other researchers [30,31]. Reduced GSH level signifies the rate of cellular redox and non-enzymatic antioxidant state of cells in higher animals [32].…”

Sperm characteristics, antioxidant status and hormonal profile in rats treated with artemisinin

“…Administration of overdose of artemisinin caused a marked decrease in the epididymal sperm number, progressive sperm motility and viability, whereas sperm abnormalities increased without alteration in the testicular sperm number and daily sperm production in the treated rats. The reproductive toxicity of artemisinin derivatives in male guinea pig and rats has been reported (Raji et al ., ; Obianime & Aprioku, ). The observations from the spermiogram in the present study further revealed that artemisinin induced an epididymis specific effect on sperm characteristics without affecting the normal spermatogenesis by the testes.…”

The antimalarial agent artesunate causes sperm DNA damage and hepatic antioxidant defense in mice

“…Raji et al [7] showed that artemether, leads to a significant reduction in the sperm motility, viability, sperm count and serum testosterone levels in a dose-dependent manner in rats. ART has also been shown to cause a decrease in sperm motility in guinea pigs [8]. ART induces toxicity in female reproductive system.…”