P-26: Effect of Genistein on Morphine-Induced Injury on Sperm Parameters

Background: An estimated six percent of adult males are thought to be infertile. The opioid peptides, in particular enkephalins, are implicated in pain perception, in response to stress, and in reinforcement. Many studies have been performed on morphine and its deleterious effects on different parts of the body and reproductive system of animals and human. Soybean, widely used in animal and human nutrition is rich in phytoestrogens and especially in genistein. The aim of present study was to determine Effect of genistein on morphine-induced injury on sperm parameters. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 40 male rats with 28 weeks of age and limited weight of 220 to 250 grams were selected. They were divided into five groups of 8, untreated control group; morphine-treated group (2.5 μg/kg/day); genistein -treated groups (1, 2, 4 mg/kg./day); and morphine and genistein treated group interperitoneal administration for successive 28 days. After 24 hours animal were killed Sperm count and viability were measured through WHO protocols. Then data were analyzed by computerized statistical program (one-way ANOVA). In all cases p<0.05 was considered as the minimum level of significant differences among groups. Results: The results indicated that increasing the dose of genistein significantly increased reproductive indices such as sperm count, motility and testis weight in most of the groups (p≤0.05). In contrast the showed data in morphine intoxicated group showed significant and decrease in sperm count, motility and testis weight. Conclusion: Theses findings imply that genistein can significantly improve the spermatogenesis process in rats and suggest its potential healing properties to reduce the effects of morphine in humans.