CompletedNot Applicable

Effect of Cannabis Consumption on Sperm Nuclear Quality in Infertile Men

France71 participantsStarted 2017-08-29

Plain-language 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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male Patient, * Patient age ≥ 18 years, * Infertile patient with isolated teratozoospermia or associated with asthenozoospermia and / or oligozoospermia and / or necrozoospermia, defined according to WHO recommendations (WHO guidelines, 2010) and the David amended classification (Auger et al, 2001) for teratozoospermia * Patient with normal constitutional karyotype (46, XY). * Smoking tobacco, * Drinking ≤ 20 g (2 units) / day, * Patient exposed : Cannabis user for over 3 months and consuming at least weekly (≥ 1 / week) \[questionnaire and positive blood detection of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and / or its derivatives (11-hydroxy-THC and 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC)\]. * Unexposed : No cannabis user (questionnaire and negative blood detection of Delta-9-THC and its derivatives) matched for age (+/- 2.5 years) with exposed patients included, Exclusion Criteria: * Patient age \> 60 years * Patient with azoospermia * Patient previously exposed to gonadotoxic treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, androgen therapy and other gonadotoxic treatments), * Patient with professional toxic exposure, * Patient consuming other recreational drugs, * Patient with severely impaired sperm parameters and sperm counts \<1 million,

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

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Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Evaluation of spermatic aneuploidy rate

Timeframe: Day 1

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02932527

SponsorUniversity Hospital, Rouen

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2021-05-07

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Teratozoospermia trials