Investigating the impact of psychopharmacological agents on spermatozoa parameters, genomic integrity and chromatin architecture


Creative Commons License

Altiok U., KARABULUT S., Korkmaz O., Oria L.

Zygote, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1017/s0967199426100483
  • Dergi Adı: Zygote
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Zoological Record, Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: infertility, psychopharmacological drugs, reproduction, sperm, sperm DNA integrity
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • İstanbul Medipol Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study investigates the effects of psychopharmacological drug on male reproductive health, with a specific focus on sperm parameters, DNA integrity, and chromatin structure. The aim is to understand the potential risks these medications pose to fertility. A comparative analysis was conducted involving 14 individuals undergoing psychopharmacological treatment and 15 non-users. Key seminal parameters, including volume, concentration, count, morphology, and motility, were evaluated to assess the impact on overall sperm quality. Additionally, genetic markers such as DNA fragmentation and chromatin structural integrity were measured to determine the extent of damage to genetic material. The study also analysed Protein Kinase A (PKA) expression, a critical enzyme in the cAMP-mediated signalling pathway, to explore its role in regulating sperm function. Significant statistical differences were observed in semen parameters, DNA fragmentation, chromatin integrity, and PKA protein expression between the two groups. Individuals using psychopharmacological drugs exhibited marked impairments in sperm quality and genetic markers compared to non-users. These findings suggest a potential link between psychopharmacological drug use and adverse effects on male reproductive health. The study underscores the importance of understanding the reproductive risks associated with these medications. It highlights the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and patients about the potential consequences of psychopharmacological treatment on fertility. Further research is essential to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop strategies to mitigate these adverse effects, ensuring better reproductive outcomes for individuals undergoing such treatments.