Molecular and genotoxic effects of sildenafil citrate and tramadol on testis and sperm quality in rat males: [electronic resource] role of apoptosis

Includes bibliographic reference

Men are using oral medications like tramadol and sildenafil citrate more frequently these days to treat erection issues and achieve the right level of potency for sexual performance. This study evaluated the effect of persistently administering tramadol and sildenafil citrate on the testis and sperm quality of scoundrel males. 40 rats were assigned into 4 groups: control, group treated with tramadol, sildenafil citrate was given to one group, and tramadol and sildenafil mixture was given to the other; each group had ten rats. After the sacrifice of rats at the end of the experiment, biochemical, histopathological, and comet assays were evaluated. The treatments illustrated a significantly lower sperm count and a rise in aberrant forms compared to the control. The testis' histopathology revealed a decrease in the quantity of spermatogenic cells; additionally, the interstitial tissue between tubules in the tramadol-treated group increased, leading to the loss of the majority of spermatogenic cells, worsening alterations, disrupted seminiferous tubule architecture, and oedema of interstitial matter, more than in the sildenafil citrate group. The combination of the two drugs caused the most significant impairment in all measured parameters. Therefore, limiting the concomitant use of both drugs is recommended to diminish the potentiated toxic effect on the testis and sperm quality, especially tramadol.
Keywords: Sildenafil, Tramadol, Histopathology, Comet assay.

Summary in Arabic