Abstract
The effects of the antiepileptic drugs sodium valproate (VPA) and levetiracetam (LEV)
on reproductive endocrine function, sexual function, and spermatozoa were explored,
together with their possible etiological mechanisms, in Chinese Han men with epilepsy.
Following VPA treatment (n = 32), luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly
lower than in controls (n = 30). The bioactive testosterone/luteinizing hormone ratio and the prolactin level
were significantly elevated in the VPA treatment group. There were no significant
differences in these hormones between the LEV treatment (n = 20) and control groups. The rates of sperm morphologic abnormality (head, body, and
tail) were significantly higher in the VPA treatment group than the control group
but did not differ significantly between the LEV treatment and control groups. The
sperm motility rate was significantly lower in the VPA treatment group (grade A sperm
motility rate <25%, grade A + B sperm motility rate <50%) than in controls, as well as in the LEV treatment group
(grade A sperm motility rate <25%). Patients in the VPA and LEV treatment groups had
lower scores on questions 1, 2 and 3 of a simplified International Index of Erectile
Function Scale than controls, but no significant difference on questions 4 or 5. The
total International Index of Erectile Function Scale scores were significantly lower
in the VPA and LEV treatment groups. We conclude that treatment with VPA adversely
affects reproductive endocrine function, sperm parameters and sexual function to varying
degrees in Chinese men with epilepsy.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
November 18,
2012
Received:
May 9,
2012
Identification
Copyright
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