CO-Enzyme Q10 Modulates Semen Parameters in Diabetic Male Rats on Combined Anti-Retroviral Therapy

Infertility affects roughly one in six couples worldwide, with male reproductive health increasingly compromised by chronic illnesses, environmental stressors, and pharmacological interventions. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) are known to negatively impact male fertility, while oxidative stress plays a central role in this decline. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a mitochondrial cofactor with antioxidant properties, has been explored as a therapeutic option, though findings remain inconsistent. This study examined the impact of CoQ10 supplementation on sperm viability and morphology in male Wistar rats exposed to cART and diabetic conditions. A total of 102 adult rats were divided into control and treatment groups, receiving either cART alone, CoQ10 at varying doses (10, 30, or 50 mg/kg), or a combination of both. A second study phase included diabetic rats treated similarly. Semen samples were assessed for viability and normal morphology. Results showed that cART and diabetes each significantly reduced sperm health. However, CoQ10—especially at the low dose (10 mg/kg)—markedly improved both viability and morphology, even in the presence of cART or diabetes. High doses of CoQ10 (50 mg/kg), however, offered limited benefit and, in some cases, worsened outcomes. These findings suggest that low-dose CoQ10 supplementation could protect against reproductive toxicity induced by cART and diabetic stress. CoQ10 appears most effective at lower concentrations, supporting its potential use as an adjunct therapy to preserve male fertility in patients undergoing antiretroviral treatment.