The effects of acrylamide on sperm parameters and membrane integrity of epididymal spermatozoa in mice

Objective Acrylamide is a chemically reactive substance used in various industries. Recently, the discovery of acrylamide in a variety of human foods including heat-processed starchy foods such as potato chips and bread has been reported. Acrylamide is also known as a carcinogen and cytotoxic material. The aim of this study was to evaluate the detrimental effects of acrylamide on membrane integrity and sperm parameters in mice. Study design This experimental study was conducted on thirty male NMRI mice, aged 8–10 weeks and weighing 25–30g. They were randomly allotted into three equal groups. Group I (low dose) and group II (high dose) were fed on water solutions containing acrylamide 5 and 10mg/kg/day, respectively, for 2 months, while the third group received fresh water as the control group. Sperm analysis was done for parameters as well as evaluation of membrane integrity by Hypoosmotic Swelling Test (HOS-test) for sperm tails and Eosin-Y staining for sperm heads. Results Total sperm motility and progressive motility (fast and slow) in both groups, I and II, decreased significantly ( P =0.00), but no significant change was observed in non-progressive motility ( P >0.05). The total motile sperm percentage decreased significantly only in group II ( P =0.01). Sperm morphology did not significantly change in the experimental groups compared to the controls ( P >0.05). In sperm membrane integrity evaluation, functional intact membrane of sperm tail in both groups I and II had a significant decrease ( P =0.00), but membrane integrity of the sperm head decreased significantly only in group II ( P =0.00). Conclusion These results indicate that acrylamide, through effects on membrane integrity, decreased sperm vitality as well as causing abnormal sperm parameters in progressive motility and total motility.