Toxic Effects of Trazodone on Male Reproductive System via Disrupting Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Testicular Axis and Inducing Testicular Oxidative Stress

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are recognized as public health problems. Epidemiological studies have shown that depression and anxiety often occur during reproductive ages between 20 and 60 years of age in males. Trazodone is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Drugs used in repeated doses also play a role in the etiology of infertility. In our study, it was aimed to identify the possible toxic effects of trazodone on male rats and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Vehicle or trazodone (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day) was administered to rats for 28 consecutive days (n = 8 per group). At the end of that period, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DNA damage were determined and testicular morphology was assessed histopathologically in rats. Additionally, we investigated hormonal status by determining serum testosterone, FSH, and LH levels and oxidative stress by determining glutathione and malondialdehyde levels in testicular tissue to elucidate mechanisms of possible reproductive toxicity. According to our results, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology were decreased; sperm DNA damage was increased in trazodone-administered groups. Degenerative findings on the testicular structure were observed after trazodone administration in rats. Additionally, serum FSH, LH, and testosterone levels were elevated in the trazodone-administered groups. Increased MDA levels were the signs of enhanced oxidative stress after trazodone administration in testis tissues. Thus, we concluded that trazodone induced reproductive toxicity in male rats; this reproductive toxicity was accompanied by oxidative stress and hormonal changes, which are considered as important causes of reproductive disorders.

Risperidone induced reproductive toxicity in male rats targeting leydig cells and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis by inducing oxidative stress

“…The cauda epididymis was transferred to DMEM/Hams F-12 at 37°C petri and cleaned of blood vessels and fat. 0.5 cm of the cauda epididymis was removed and placed in another Petri with 1 ml of DMEM/Hams F-12 at 37°C, and spermatozoa were allowed to swim out of for 1 min (Atli et al, 2017;Baysal et al, 2017;Maree & Van der Horst, 2013;WHO, 1999;Ilgın et al, 2018). 5 μl of sperm cloud was placed on a Leja slide (Leja Products BV, Nieuw-Vennep).…”

“…Another 5 μl of the sperm cloud was transferred on a frosted slide for morphology analysis. The slide was dried before and stained with Spermblue ® (Microptic Automatic Diagnostic System) according to Van der Horst and Maree (2009) (WHO, 1999;Van der Horst and Maree (2009;Maree & Van der Horst, 2013;Atli et al, 2017;Baysal et al, 2017;Ilgın et al, 2018). The morphology was determined via the morphology module of Sperm Class Analyzer ® version 5.4.0.1 software.…”

Caffeine improves sperm quality, modulates steroidogenic enzyme activities, restore testosterone levels and prevent oxidative damage in testicular and epididymal tissues of scopolamine-induced rat model of amnesia

“…The use of antidepressants has been associated with some sexual side effects. Over three hundred million individuals are affected with depression across different countries of the world . Antidepressants such as serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine and paroxetine) and tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine) are used to alleviate depression and its associated effects .…”

“…Over three hundred million individuals are affected with depression across different countries of the world. [13] Antidepressants such as serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine and paroxetine) and tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine) are used to alleviate depression and its associated effects. [14,15] The continuous use of most of these antidepressants may lead to impaired spermatogenesis, reduction in sperm count and motility, decrease in plasma levels of testosterone, low libido, delayed ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.…”

Corrigendum to “Toxic Effects of Trazodone on Male Reproductive System via Disrupting Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Testicular Axis and Inducing Testicular Oxidative Stress”

“…In the article titled “Toxic Effects of Trazodone on Male Reproductive System via Disrupting Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis and Inducing Testicular Oxidative Stress” [ 1 ], there was a missing grant number. An acknowledgment should be added as follows:…”