NCT02932527

Effect of Cannabis Consumption on Sperm Nuclear Quality in Infertile Men

Effect of Cannabis Consumption on Sperm Nuclear Quality in Infertile Men : a Prospective Exposed / Unexposed Study

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 71 (actual)
• Sponsor: University Hospital, Rouen · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Lifestyle and environmental factors can disrupt development and testicular function. In France, cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance and about 8% of adults between 18 and 64 years smoke cannabis at least once a year, and mostly men under 45 years. Endocannabinoids are lipid mediators that share some effects with the active ingredients of cannabis. Cannabis and endocannabinoids act via two types of endogenous receptors which were detected at different levels of the reproductive system and are involved in the central and local regulation of the gonad. Cannabis use may alter the normal regulation of the endocannabinoid system. In males, the regulation of the endocannabinoid system is critical for Sertoli and Leydig cells functions, germ cell differentiation, maturation of sperm nucleus and sperm quality. The cannabis can have a negative impact on sperm parameters, capacitation and acrosome reaction. Cannabinoids may decrease testosterone synthesis and induce apoptosis of Sertoli cells. Studies on the effect of cannabinoids on male fertility are scarce or nonexistent in infertile men because of ethical considerations and bias due to consumption often underreported. Investigators hypothesized that cannabis use may alter sperm nuclear quality. Investigators want to explore this hypothesis conducting a multicentric prospective study exposed/non-exposed in infertile men who are consulting for Medically Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). To reach this study, it is planned to include a total of 200 subjects taking into account any exclusions.

Conditions

• Teratozoospermia

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Questionnaire about cannabis consumption	Questionnaire about cannabis consumption will be assessed to infertile male exposed to cannabis and infertile male not exposed to cannabis.
PROCEDURE	blood intake	blood intake is done for infertile male exposed and infertile male not exposed.
PROCEDURE	Semen samples collection	Semen samples are collected for infertile male exposed and infertile male not exposed.

Timeline

• Start date: 2017-08-29
• Primary completion: 2021-05-07
• Completion: 2021-05-07
• First posted: 2016-10-13
• Last updated: 2026-02-06

Locations

3 sites across 1 country: France