Evaluation of the Effect of Vitamin E on Reproductive Parameters in Morphine-Treated Male Mice

Background: Morphine is a narcotic pain reliever that is prescribed to reduce postoperative pain and can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, it can have negative effects on spermatogenesis and male fertility. Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant which plays an important role in membrane lipid peroxidation due to increased ROS. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of vitamin E and morphine on sperm parameters, level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and diameter of seminiferous tubules in morphine-treated mice. Methods: In this experimental study, ۸۰ mice were divided into ten groups (n=۸) including control, normal saline, vehicle, morphine, various doses of vitamin E (۱۰۰, ۲۰۰, ۳۰۰ mg/kg), and morphine plus vitamin E (۱۰۰, ۲۰۰, ۳۰۰ mg/kg) groups. The groups were followed up for ۳۰ consecutive days. Sperm parameters, testis weight, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the level of MDA were analyzed and compared.Findings: Data analysis showed seminal parameters decreased significantly (excluding sperm count) and there was an increase in the level of MDA in morphine-treated mice compared with the normal saline group (P<۰.۰۵). Administration of E۱۰۰ to morphinetreated mice did not show a significant difference in the evaluated parameters compared with the morphine group. However, E۲۰۰ and E۳۰۰ significantly reduced MDA and improved sperm parameters (P≤۰.۰۵).Conclusion: The results showed co-administration of vitamin E in high doses (۲۰۰ & ۳۰۰) could prevent the deleterious effects of morphine on some reproductive parameters and decrease the level of MDA in morphine-treated mice.

Keywords:

Morphine , Male infertility , Sperm parameters , Malondialdehyde