Antispermatogenic effect

Antispermatogenic effects of 1,2-dibromoethane have been observed in humans occupationally exposed to 1,2-dibromoethane (Ratcliffe et al. 1987 Takahashi et al. 1981 Ter Haar 1980). These effects include changes in sperm velocity and count. Whether or not these effects are associated with reduced fertility in humans cannot be totally addressed, since the epidemiologic study (Wong et al. 1979) was not capable of detecting such a sensitive effect. Although this study had several limitations, it indicates a potential for adverse effects of 1,2-dibromoethane on fertility. 

Reproductive Effects. Antispermatogenic effects and possible effects on fertility have been reported in humans occupationally exposed to 1,2-dibromoethane (Heinrichs 1983 Ratcliffe et al. 1987 Ter Haar 1980 Wong et al. 1979). However, many of these studies lacked sufficient statistical power to detect an association between parameters measured and exposure. 

Adverse reproductive effects are supported by animal studies. However, in some of the oral and inhalation studies in animals, chemical toxicity and/or neoplasia made it difficult to ascribe testicular lesions to direct toxicity. In other studies, antispermatogenic effects of 1,2-dibromoethane were documented directly in bovines exposed via feed these effects were reversible after chemical withdrawal (Amir and Ben-David 1973 Amir and Volcani 1965). Effects were more severe in adult bulls compared to young bulls (Amir 1975). 

The carcinogenic and mutagenic effects of 1,2-dibromoethane is due to its ability to bind to DNA and RNA with metabolic activation. The mechanism of action for the antispermatogenic effects is probably related to the removal of sulphur from cysteine in the nucleus of the spermatozoa. Clinical intervention to interfere with these mechanisms has yet to be developed. 

Many applications in the Ajairvedic and Siddha systems of medicine. Applications in Indian medicine in the treatment of gout, rheumatic pain and cancer. Nut extract preparations are effective against arthritis, tumours, infections etc. and are not toxic. Anti-cancer, antiinflammatory, antispermatogenic,... 

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