GABP Congress 2026

Background Considering the growing therapeutic use of cannabidiol as well as the presence of cannabinoid receptors in sperm and its possible genotoxic activity, the effect of cannabidiol on sperm quality and function was examined. Methods Thirty male NMRI mice were randomly divided into three groups: control (no injection), sham (intraperitoneal (IP) injection of DMSO daily for 34 days), and cannabidiol (IP injection of cannabidiol 30 mg/ml daily for 34 days). Following 35 days after the last injection, sperm parameters, chromatin integrity (CMA3 staining), acrosome reaction (FITC-PNA method), fertility-related genes (IZUMO1, PLCζ), and blastulation rate of the embryos obtained from the oocytes fertilized with the mentioned sperms was investigated. Results Count, motility, and morphology of sperm were not significantly affected by cannabidiol. CMA3+ sperms (protamine deficiency) were significantly higher in the cannabidiol group compared to the control group (P = 0.03). The acrosomal reaction and fertility-related genes (IZUMO1, PLCζ) in the cannabidiol group did not differ significantly compared to the control group. Also, there was no significant difference between the cannabidiol group and the control group in the two-cell and the eight-cell stages but the rate of blastocyst formation was significantly lower in the cannabidiol group compared to other groups (P < 0.0001). Conclusions Our results showed that cannabidiol leads to negative effects on the male reproductive system through an effect on sperm chromatin and the rate of reaching the blastocyst stage of the embryo.

Mehdi Mehdizadeh, Ph.D., is a specialist in Anatomical Sciences and a Fellow in Transgenic Animals at the Reproductive Science and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. His research focuses on regenerative medicine, reproductive biology, neurodegenerative diseases—particularly Alzheimer's disease—and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. Dr. Mehdizadeh has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and international conferences. His interdisciplinary work aims to develop novel therapeutic strategies for treating infertility, neurodegenerative disorders, and tissue regeneration impairments.