Efeitos do uso do cigarro eletrônico na qualidade espermática de ratos Wistar
Leonardo Martins dos Santos
UFERSA
Rafaely Araujo Barroso
UFERSA
Kewin Henderson Xavier Monteiro
Maria Joana Nogueira De Moura
Cibele Dos Santos Borges
Palavras-chave: Qualidade espermática, Análise espermática, Ratos Wistar, Tabagismo, Cigarro eletrônico
Resumo
The use of recreational substances can have multiple effects on human health beyond the transient release of dopamine. Cigarette smoking has well-documented consequences, particularly on the male reproductive system, where it impairs sperm quality and induces DNA damage (ALEXANDER et al., Journal of Thoracic Disease, 2015, pp. 248–251). With the advent of electronic cigarettes, research is needed to determine the potential harmful effects of this product on the male reproductive system, especially since most users are men and little is known about its long-term impact. Thus, the present study aimed to identify the possible effects of electronic cigarette exposure on the male reproductive system of adult rats, with emphasis on sperm quality. The project was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of UFERSA (Protocol No. 02/2024). Adult Wistar rats (90 days old) were maintained in the UFERSA Small Mammal Facility and then divided into two experimental groups (n = 7 per group): control group and treated group, exposed to vaping smoke for 28 days — a period corresponding to spermatotoxicity. The inhalation protocol consisted of exposing rats to electronic cigarette vapor inside a wooden chamber (50 × 30 × 25 cm). A Vaporesso® Zero 2 device (1.3 Ω resistance) was used, and vapor was drawn using a 60 mL disposable syringe adapted to deliver the aerosol into the chamber. Strawberry, mint, and mango-flavored e-liquids containing 20 mg/mL nicotine were used (SMITH et al., Virchows Archiv, 2021, pp. 81–88). No significant changes were observed in body or reproductive organ weights. Analyses of sperm production, transit time, and motility also showed no alterations during the treatment period. Based on this experimental model, it can be concluded that subchronic exposure (28 days) to low-dose vaping vapor did not directly affect sperm quality in rats. This result may be related to the route of administration and dosage, as previous studies (EL GOLLI et al., Toxicology Mechanisms and Methods, 2016, pp. 427–434) used intraperitoneal administration, whereas the present study employed inhalation exposure — a route involving stronger physiological defense barriers. Another possible explanation is the broader systemic distribution achieved through inhalation compared to intraperitoneal administration, which may mitigate pathological effects on the reproductive system. Nevertheless, further studies are required to more deeply investigate the impact of longer exposure durations, as well as possible alterations in other organs and tissues.