Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite considerable advances in comprehending the neurobiology of drug addiction, available treatment options remain limited in terms of effectiveness and are often accompanied by adverse side effects that contribute to relapse. Notably, oxytocin administration has demonstrated potential in influencing neurobehavioral changes related to drug abuse. Furthermore, the effect of zinc on male fertility has been established. This study aimed to assess the impact of combining oxytocin with zinc sulfate on reproductive parameters in men addicted to opioids who are undergoing methadone maintenance therapy. METHODS: This research followed a double-masked randomized controlled clinical trial design and involved 40 men with opioid dependence receiving methadone treatment. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a control group receiving a saline nasal spray and a zinc sulfate placebo, and an intervention group receiving 40 international units of oxytocin nasal spray in combination with 220 mg zinc sulfate capsules, daily. Baseline evaluations of testosterone, oxytocin, sperm characteristics, and zinc levels were conducted three days after a 5-10 mg reduction in methadone dosage. Subsequently, a two-week treatment regimen was administered, followed by post-intervention assessments. FINDINGS: The age of participants was comparable in the control and intervention groups. Zinc levels in the control and treatment groups showed no significant difference before the intervention, while a significant increase was seen after the intervention in the treatment group (P=0.023). A significant increase was reported in testosterone levels (P=0.002) and the active motility of sperm (P=0.015) in the treatment group after the intervention. The intervention led to a significant reduction in the total abnormality of sperm (P<0.001). Prescription of nasal oxytocin spray with zinc supplementation can be an effective remedy in improving reproductive indices in opiate-addicted men and could be considered in addiction management guidelines. The present study is one of the first studies evaluating the effects of combined oxytocin and zinc supplementation on improving the reproductive indices in opiate-addicted men. CONCLUSION: According to the results, the combination of oxytocin and zinc supplementation had a positive and significant effect on sperm parameters in opioid-dependent men undergoing methadone treatment.