Volume 22, Issue 7 (July 2024)                   IJRM 2024, 22(7): 579-592 | Back to browse issues page

Ethics code: IR.MALAYERU.REC.1401.004


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1- Medical Genetics Department, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Plant and Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
3- Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran.
4- Chronic Renal Failure Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
5- Microbiology Department, Medical Faculty, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
6- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran. , S.ghiasvand@malayeru.ac.ir
Abstract:   (315 Views)
Background: Opioid analgesics like morphine and methadone are widely used for managing severe pain; however, concerns over their potential misuse and adverse effects on the brain and reproductive system are significant.
Objective: We aimed to investigate their impacts on spermatogenesis and cognitive function in male Norway rats.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 36 male Norway rats (250-300 gr, 6 months old) were divided into 6 groups: low-dose morphine, high-dose morphine, low-dose methadone, high-dose methadone, positive control (received normal saline at 5 mg/kg), and negative control (received no treatment). Morphine and methadone were administered intraperitoneally over 30 days at doses of 3 mg/kg and 7 mg/kg, respectively. Behavioral assessments evaluated anxiety, stress, and short- and long-term memory. Sperm parameters (viability, motility, morphology), hormonal analysis (testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol), and gene expressions (Tp53, CatSper1) were assessed.
Results: A significant reduction in rat weight was observed in the high-dose morphine group (p = 0.0045), while testicular weights remained unchanged. Sperm abnormalities were observed with high doses of methadone and morphine. High-dose methadone significantly reduced offspring count (p = 0.0004). Levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estradiol varied significantly across treatment groups. Gene expression was altered in response to treatments (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Prolonged exposure to methadone and morphine resulted in memory dysfunction, chronic stress, hormonal disturbances, altered gene expression, and fertility complications. These effects were more pronounced at higher doses, highlighting the importance of careful dosage management in opioid therapy.

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Type of Study: Original Article | Subject: Reproductive Biology

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