https://doi.org/10.4081/aiua.2024.12192

Effects of nanotubes on semen quality and fertility in humans: A systematic review of literature

Vol. 96 No. 1 (2024)
Submitted: December 14, 2023
Accepted: January 15, 2024
Published: March 7, 2024
Nanotubes, semen, fertility, human, nanoparticles, reproduction
Abstract Views: 1267
PDF: 218
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Authors

William Felipe Fernández Zapata
“SYMBIOSIS” Research Hotbed in Human Reproduction and Gestation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, UdeA, Medellín; Reproduction Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Yamile Cardona Maya
Department of Basic Foundation, Pascual Bravo University Institution, Medellín, Colombia.
Cesar Isaza Merino
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Walter D. Cardona Maya
wdario.cardona@udea.edu.co
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0062-6444
Reproduction Group, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.

Background: In the medical field, it is increasingly common to observe the use of nanotubes, for example, in the administration of drugs. However, nanotubes raise concerns for male fertility due to potential effects on hormone levels and sperm quality observed in animal studies. In addition, animal exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotube models found alterations in hormone levels, sperm motility, and sperm count. Limited evidence in humans suggests no adverse effects, but further research is needed. This study aimed to perform a systematic review to assess the in vitro effects of nanotubes on semen and fertility in humans.
Methods: We included all published in vitro studies about semen or sperm or male fertility and nanotubes in humans. A search was conducted in LILACS, PubMed, and SCOPUS as of May 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUIN tool.
Results: Four studies using nanotubes on human sperm were included, nanotubes exposure appears not to affect sperm viability; however, some alterations to motility, velocity and production of reactive oxygen species were reported. Limited evidence is provided because of the small quantity of publications.
Conclusions: Nanotubes appear to have no adverse effects on human sperm.

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How to Cite

Fernández Zapata, W. F., Cardona Maya, Y., Isaza Merino, C., & Cardona Maya, W. D. (2024). Effects of nanotubes on semen quality and fertility in humans: A systematic review of literature. Archivio Italiano Di Urologia E Andrologia, 96(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/aiua.2024.12192
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