AGE-DEPENDENT DISRUPTION OF SPERMATOGENESIS AND TESTICULAR STRUCTURE FOLLOWING CHRONIC CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE

Abstract

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. It is produced during incomplete combustion processes (e.g., when fuel is burned). CO has a binding affinity to hemoglobin that is 200–250 times greater than that of oxygen. Toxic effects:CO binds to hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), which significantly reduces the blood’s ability to transport oxygen. As a result, hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) develops. Consequences of hypoxia: Hypoxia leads to damage to the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and other vital organs. Long-term effects: Studies conducted in South Korea have shown that the long-term risk of mortality after CO poisoning increases by 2.6 times. There is also an elevated risk of developing: infectious diseases, cancers, endocrine system disorders, neurological problems, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory system disorders. Neurological and cardiac symptoms may persist for an extended period. Main treatment method — oxygen therapy. The patient must be moved to fresh air immediately and provided with oxygen via a mask. In severe cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used, which helps accelerate the elimination of CO from the body. If neurological or cardiovascular symptoms are present, further medical examination and treatment are required.