Codeine-induced sperm DNA damage is mediated predominantly by oxidative stress rather than apoptosis.

Conclusion: This study revealed that chronic codeine exposure causes sperm DNA fragmentation and poor sperm quality primarily via oxidative stress rather than activation of caspase 3-dependent apoptosis. Findings of the present study may explain drug-induced male factor infertility, particularly, those associated with opioid use. PMID: 32290793 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Redox Report : communications in free radical research - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: Redox Rep Source Type: research