Investigation of the Effect of Hafnium Chloride on Sperm Viability and Motility in Normospermic Cases: An In Vitro Study.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hafnium alloys are employed in medical applications due to their biocompatibility and high corrosion resistance. These alloys have demonstrated osteogenic and antimicrobial activities in surgical implants and have been utilized in the treatment of sarcoma. Additionally, a sensor based on hafnium nanoparticles has been reported for the detection of coronavirus disease 2019. Despite the increasing usage of hafnium, a literature review reveals no studies examining its effects on sperm in both human and animal species. METHODS: Semen samples were analyzed according to the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and 20 normospermic specimens were included in the study. Three groups were formed control, hafnium chloride 2 mg/mL, and 4 mg/mL. Motility and viability were assessed in all groups at the 20th and 40th minutes. RESULTS: The decrease in viable sperm count was found to be significant in the 2 mg/ml HfCl4 group (difference 12.73 ± 0.8, p<0.001) and the 4 mg/ml HfCl4 group (difference 41.72 ± 1.34, p<0.001) compared to the control group. A time-dependent decrease in sperm viability was significant across all groups (difference 8.93 ± 0.59, p<0.001). The decrease in viable sperm count in the 4 mg/ml HfCl4 group was significant when compared to the 2 mg/ml HfCl4 group (difference 29 ± 1.27, p<0.001). The decrease in total motile sperm count was observed in both the 2 mg/ml HfCl4 group (difference 12.80 ± 1.30, p<0.001) and the 4 mg/ml HfCl4 group (difference 35.63 ± 1.12, p<0.001) compared to the control group. Additionally, the decrease in total motile sperm count in the 4 mg/ml HfCl4 group was significant compared to the 2 mg/ml HfCl4 group (difference 22.80 ± 1.60, p<0.001). A time-dependent decrease in total motile sperm count was also significant (difference 6.03 ± 0.49, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The study determined that hafnium chloride negatively affects sperm motility and viability in vitro. These effects may be due to the presence of an acidic environment. It has been demonstrated that instruments containing this element may pose a potential risk.