Calcineurin inhibitors and male fertility after renal transplantation - a review

Abstract

Renal transplantation and restoration of renal function are associated with significant favourable changes regarding the reproductive capacity of male patients with previous end-stage renal disease. However, there is evidence that some of the immunosuppressive agents may impair male fertility after all. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), cyclosporine A and tacrolimus (FK506), which constitute the cornerstone of immunosuppression regimen following renal transplantation, have been implicated in causing an overall decline in the fertilisation capacity of male renal transplant recipients (RTRs). In this review, data from human clinical studies are collectively presented in an effort to estimate the potential adverse effects of CNIs on the masculine reproductive organs, the hormonal axis of males, the process of spermatogenesis and generally the male RTRs capacity to fertilise.

Keywords: Calcineurin inhibitors; cyclosporine A; fertility; renal transplantation; tacrolimus.