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Evaluating Sperm Quality and DNA Damage Following Chronic Exposure to Diclofenac in a Laboratory Model

Authors

  • Ekele Kenneth Kihodu

    Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Basic Medical Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

  • Mathias Abiodun Emokpae

    Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Basic Medical Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29169/1927-5951.2026.16.02

Keywords:

Male, Diclofenac, Semen, DNA Damage, Spermatozoa

Abstract

The widespread use of diclofenac, a commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has raised concerns regarding its potential adverse effects on male reproductive health. This study evaluated sperm quality and DNA damage following chronic exposure to diclofenac in a laboratory model. Twenty-five adult male rats were randomly assigned into five groups, including control (group A), low-dose (group B), high-dose (group C), recovery (group D), and dose-escalation groups (group E). Diclofenac was administered orally for 56 days. Sperm quality parameters (count, motility, morphology, and viability) were evaluated, while oxidative DNA damage was assessed by measuring serum levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) using ELISA. Results demonstrated significant, dose-dependent reductions in sperm count, motility, and sperm morphology (p<0.05) in diclofenac-treated groups compared to controls. Concurrently, 8-OHdG levels were significantly elevated, with higher concentrations seen in groups with higher diclofenac doses. Strong negative correlations were observed between 8-OHdG levels and sperm quality indices (r = −0.91 to −0.98, p = 0.004). However, changes in viability were not statistically significant. Chronic exposure to diclofenac adversely impacts sperm quality parameters and increases oxidative DNA damage. The need for cautious therapeutic use of diclofenac is emphasized.

References

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Published

2026-06-08

Issue

Vol. 16 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Evaluating Sperm Quality and DNA Damage Following Chronic Exposure to Diclofenac in a Laboratory Model. (2026). Journal of Pharmacy and Nutrition Sciences , 16, 8-17. https://doi.org/10.29169/1927-5951.2026.16.02

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