Administration of olaquindox impairs spermatogenesis and sperm quality by increasing oxidative stress and early apoptosis in mice

Olaquindox (OLA), a potent antibacterial agent, has been widely used as a feed additive and growth promoter in animal husbandry. Our previous study has shown that OLA administration in female mice could markedly cause sub-fertility. Here we established the model in male mice to investigate the toxic effects of OLA on mammalian spermatozoa quality and fetal development. After continuous 45 days of OLA gavage, the dosage of 60 mg/kg/day (high dose) significantly affected body weight, organ weights and coefficients, and the morphology of the testis seminiferous tubule in male mice. Dosage of 60 mg/kg/day also reduced sperm count, motility, and viability. OLA at both low-dose (5 mg/kg/day) and high-dose induced peroxidation, early apoptosis, and abnormal mitochondrial membrane potential in sperm. Significantly, high-dose OLA impaired in vitro fertilized embryo development, indicated by the decreased percentages of 2-cell and blastocyst formation. Surprisingly, the natural fertility of males was unaffected after OLA gavage, which was indicated by the comparable litter size after mating. However, paternal gavage of OLA significantly decreased the survival rate of the offspring from the age of 4 weeks. In sum, our study showed that OLA gavage in male mice damages sperm quality and offspring survival, illustrating the use of OLA as a feed additive should be strictly restricted. Diagram about the 60 mg/kg OLA gavage negatively affects spermatogenesis and sperm quality in male mice. [Display omitted] •OLA intragastric gavage in male mice impairs testis structure and spermatogenesis.•OLA impairs sperm motility, in vitro fertilization, and embryo development.•OLA intragastric gavage in male mice decreases the survival rate of offspring.•ROS aggravation and sperm apoptosis mediated OLA-induced male subfertility.