ABSTRACT
Background: To evaluate the possible toxic effect of a new angiotensin II receptor antagonist or blocker, olmesartan medoxomil, on the male reproductive system of rat. Methods: Twelve Sprague Dawley rats, randomly divided into two groups: treated group (n=6) and control group (n=6). Olmesartan medoxomil (5mg/kg/dose) was fed to the treated group once daily for 28 days. Sperm motility, count and morphology and pituitary gonadal hormonal levels were assessed. Results: Despite some fluctuations in sperm count, sperm motility, and concentration of testosterone, FSH and LH levels of treated group when compared to controls, the results were statistically insignificant. Conclusions: It is therefore concluded that olmesartan medoxomil did not adversely affect the male reproductive health of treated rats.
ABSTRACT
Humans are exposed to several exogenous chemicals used in industrial processes, development activities and also through food chain. The male reproductive system is vulnerable to the effects of the physical and chemical factors. This is a review of literature to determine the influence of occupations involving high temperature on the male reproductive health. We concluded that occupational heat exposure will alter spermatogenesis and also affect sperm morphology, therefore it is overall a risk factor for male infertility. A few studies have shown that the occupational heat exposure to male partner can cause low birth weight, preterm delivery, and spontaneous abortion which may be due to genetic mutations in human sperm. However, more prospective studies are needed to ascertain this fact