Effect of in vitro exposure of first-line antiretrovirals on healthy human spermatozoa on kinematics and motility

• DOI: 10.1007/s11255-024-04340-x
• Publication Date: 2025-01-03T19:50:50Z
• Authors: Sohan Zane Pinto; Natalie Aneck-Hahn
• Keywords: Emtricitabine

Abstract Purpose Contemporary antiretroviral (ARV) medications are used by millions of men for HIV treatment worldwide. Limited data exist on their direct effect sperm motility. This pilot study hypothesizes that in vitro exposure to ARVs will reduce kinematic and motility parameter values. Methods laboratory-based experimental analyzed kinematics after the Dolutegravir, Tenofovir, Emtricitabine, individually combination. Each participant (n = 23) served as control. The Microptic SCA® Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) system, Barcelona, Spain was generate quantitative Straight-line velocity (VSL), Straightness index (STR), Linearity Index (LIN), Beat cross frequency (BCF), oscillation (WOB). Results VSL, STR, LIN, WOB non-progressive (grade c) spermatozoa were significantly decreased ARV treatment. BCF medium progressive population b) increased 90 min Tenofovir arm, a significant decrease proportion grade b recorded at all arms when compared control arm. No impaired observed within first 30 exposure. Conclusion Pharmacovigilance is healthcare emergency fast-changing world newer drugs leaves clinicians vulnerable. They must prescribe whose long-term somatic germline adverse effects not fully understood. Guidelines changing faster than we can monitor side effects. Despite Dolutegravir being only mainstream integrase inhibitor first-line South Africa five years, its replacement, Cabotegravir, already launched. More research this field required, especially commonly prescribed drugs. preliminary concludes current patients HIV-negative pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) alter kinematics. Further with larger sample size warranted quantify impact human fertility, addressing limitations study, before comprehensive conclusion male fertility be drawn. Of particular importance would reactive oxygen species levels semen DNA fragmentation.