Effect of graded doses of acetylsalicylic acid on sperm chromatin integrity and maturity of germinal epithelium in adult male mouse

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of graded doses of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on sperm chromatin integrity and sex hormones in the adult male mouse. Methods: Forty-nine male adult mice were divided into seven groups. Control group received no drug, sham group received ASA solvent (dimethylsulfoxide 0.1%), groups 3 to 7 received different doses of 0.05, 0.10, 0.50, 1.00 and 5.00 mg ASA, daily for 14 d, respectively. On day 15, evaluations were made by sperm chromatin dispersion test for the study of DNA sperm integrity, radioimmunoassay for the study of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) level and histopathology of testis for Jhonson’s scoring. Results: ASA in groups 0.50, 1.00 and 5.00 mg reduced big halo sperms. DNA fragmentation significantly increased just in 5 mg group. Serum level of testosterone in doses of 0.50, 1.00 and 5.00 mg groups reduced significantly (P<0.01) while LH level was not affected. Johnson’s score reduced in all ASA treated groups. Conclusions: Administration of ASA over the 14 days in dose of 5.00 mg increases sperm DNA fragmentation index and therefore reduces DNA integrity and in doses of 0.50, 1.00, 5.00 mg reduces serum testosterone level with no effect on LH. Generally, ASA has deleterious effects on the male reproductive indices even in low doses.