Impacts administration of Rifampicin on sperm DNA integrity and Male Reproductive System parameters in rats

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the impacts of rifampicin on certain sperm function parameters and to determine whether rifampicin has an impact on chromatin quality or sperm DNA integrity. Materials and Methods: Forty two male adult rats were subjected to this study. The entire rats were subjected to random division into six groups; four rifampicin- treated groups and two control groups. Rifampicin- treated groups were treated with a dose of either (27mg/kg/day) or (54mg/kg/day) and for each treatment dose, the treatment persists for either 14 days or 28 days. Certain parameters of sperm function including sperm concentration and sperm motility were assessed. Furthermore, analysis of sperm DNA integrity and chromatin quality were also studied. Results: No significant changes related to sperm concentration were observed when rifampicin was given in different doses and different durations. A significant change in sperm motility were recorded only when rifampicin was given in high dose for 28 days and there was a significant reduction in sperm progressive and total motility. Rifampicin showed a significant increase in sperm DNA staining capability when the dose and duration was increased. Administration of rifampicin in high dosage for 28 days represented in larger adverse impact on structure of sperm chromatin. Conclusion: Rifampicin could negatively affect male fertility potential in rats mainly through affecting the quality of sperm chromatin structure.