Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
EUROTOX 2025 – 59th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology, Athens, Yunanistan, 14 - 17 Eylül 2025, ss.349, (Özet Bildiri)
Male infertility is a common public health issue that can result from various diseases, including hypothyroidism. Studies investigating the effects of hypothyroidism on male infertility have not yielded conclusive data; however, the adverse effects of hypothyroidism on the male reproductive system remain a significant topic of debate. At this point, it is well known that L-T4 is frequently used in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Since L-T4 is a hormone-based agent that is used chronically, investigating its effects on the male reproductive system is of great importance. In this study, hypothyroidism was induced using propylthiouracil (PTU). Analysis of thyroid hormone levels in rats demonstrated that hypothyroidism was successfully induced, as indicated by low T3 and T4 levels and high TSH levels. With L-T4 treatment, thyroid hormone levels approached those of the control group. Hypothyroid rats exhibited a significant reduction in sperm concentration and an increased percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm. Histopathological analysis revealed that the observed decrease in sperm concentration and abnormalities in sperm morphology aligned with testicular histopathological findings. Furthermore, L-T4 treatment induced structural deformities in the testes, degeneration of germ cells, and disruption of Sertoli cells. Serum levels of LH, FSH, SHBG, testosterone, and inhibin B were significantly lower in the hypothyroid group compared to controls. After L-T4 treatment, sperm concentration and the percentage of abnormal sperm remained significantly altered, with FSH levels still lower, and SHBG, LH, testosterone, and inhibin B levels continuing to differ from the control group. Hypothyroid rats also showed decreased GSH levels and increased MDA levels, indicating elevated oxidative stress. However, no significant differences in GSH and MDA levels were observed following L-T4 treatment compared to the control group. In conclusion, PTU-induced hypothyroidism triggered reproductive toxic effects in male rats, and despite LT4 treatment, differences in these parameters were still observed compared to the control group.