SERUM LIPID PROFILE AND MALE REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS AFFECTED BY FREQUENT ADMINISTRATION OF ARTEMETHER-LUMEFANTRINE: AN INFLUENCE ON MALE INFERTILITY

Idongesit Patrick Ita*, Ukoh Abasiama Ita, Ndah Victor Okon and Mbagwu Herbert

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effects of frequent administration of artemether-lumefantrine (Lokmal)R on serum lipid profiles and male reproductive parameters, as well as the relationship between these parameters and male fertility. Thirty-five (35) male Wistar rats weighing between 230 and 330g were divided into five subgroups, each with seven animals. Oral gavage was used to provide graded doses of artemether-lumefantrine twice a day. Group I served as the control; they were not given any medication. Group II was given 8 mg/kg bodyweight (bw) for three days. 12 mg/kg bw was given to Group III for three days. For three weeks, Group IV was administered 8 mg/kg bw three days a week with a two-week recuperation interval, while Group V was administered 12 mg/kg bw three days a week with a two-week rest interval. Investigated parameters include semen parameters and serum lipid profile. A significant (p<0.05) decrease in sperm motility and concentration was observed in the treatment groups when compared to the control. No significant (p>0.05) changes in male reproductive hormone and organs were observed. HDL cholesterol concentration recorded a significant (p<0.05) reduction. Triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol recorded no significant increases or decreases except for the significant increase in triglyceride in Group V and a decrease in total cholesterol in Group V. The findings point to the declining consequences of indiscriminately administering ACTs repeatedly on semen characteristics of healthy adult male which may eventually affect fertility, and they should be discouraged.

Keywords: Artemether-lumefantrine, Lipid Profile, Malaria, Semen, Sperm Motility.