THE EFFECT MEDICATION USED IN THE COVID-19 PROTOCOL ON HORMONE LEVELS (FSH, LH, TESTOSTERONE) AND SPERM PARAMETERS IN MALE RATS

Abstract

The medications employed in the COVID-19 treatment regimen may contribute to the detrimental effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the male reproductive system. This study aims to evaluate the effect of drugs used in the treatment protocol for COVID-19 on the male reproductive system of rats by measuring the level of sex hormones (LH, FSH Testosterone) and also through changes in sperm parameters (concentration, motility, dead and abnormal sperm). A total of 30 adult male rats were used, and they were split into two groups, each with 15 rats. The protocol group received the medication used in the therapeutic protocol for Covid-19, while the control group received saline solution. Five rats from each group were euthanized at the end of the first and second weeks of treatment as well as at the end of the fifth week after treatment had ended. Blood samples were collected to obtain a serum to test hormones levels, and the epididymis was also removed for sperm examination. The results of the study showed a significant increase in LH hormone in the first and second weeks of the experiment and a decrease in the fifth week, while the FSH hormone decreased in the fifth week. While testosterone hormone decreased in the second and fifth weeks, as well as decreased sperm concentration and motility, and increased the percentage of dead and abnormal sperm in the protocol group, we deduce from these findings that medicines used to treat Covid-19 have a deleterious impact on male rat sperm parameters and sex hormones levels.