Co-administration of caffeine and caffeic acid alters some key enzymes linked with reproductive function in male rats

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of caffeine combined with caffeic acid on some biomarkers of male reproductive function using normal albino Wistar rats. Rats were divided into four groups (n = 6) and treated for seven successive days; group 1 represents the control rats; group 2 rats were treated with 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) of caffeine only; group 3 rats were treated with 50 mg/kg BW of caffeic acid, while the rats in group 4 were cotreated with an equal combination of caffeine and caffeic acid. The results revealed significant increase in reproductive hormone, testicular and epididymal nitric oxide levels of the rats. Moreover, decreased oxidative stress in the testes and epididymides of the treated rats was evidenced by significant increase in total and nonprotein thiol levels, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. Similarly, decreased testicular cholesterol level with concomitant elevation in testicular steroidogenic enzyme activities, glycogen and zinc levels were observed in the treated rats. No morphological changes were observed as revealed by the photomicrographs from light microscopy in treated rats. Nevertheless, the combination therapy exhibited additive/synergistic effect on these biochemical indices than when they were administered singly. This study suggests the combination therapy of caffeine and caffeic acid at the dose tested for improving male reproductive function.

Caffeic acid mitigates aflatoxinB1‐mediated toxicity in the male rat reproductive system by modulating inflammatory and apoptotic responses, testicular function, and the redox‐regulatory systems

“…Interestingly, CA (20 and 40 mg/kg) decreased AFB 1 ‐induced oxidative stressed by increasing the activities of SOD, GPx, CAT, and GST in the epididymis, and hypothalamus of male rats. The protective effect of CA on the male reproductive system has been reported (Akomolafe et al, 2018; Boroja et al, 2018; Namula et al, 2018) and we are poised to validate these findings in our current study. Other antioxidants assayed in this study responsible for scavenging ROS in the body include reduced glutathione (GSH) and total sulfhydryl group (TSH).…”

Review on the role of antioxidant supplementation against oxidative stress: a human and animal approach to male fertility

“…In this case, an improvement was demonstrated in all characteristics linked to fertility: seminal, hormonal, DNA fragmentation, and antioxidant capacity (Akomolafe & Oboh, 2017). Similar results were also observed when caffeine and caffeic acid were co-administered (Akomolafe et al, 2018).…”

Caffeine improves sperm quality, modulates steroidogenic enzyme activities, restore testosterone levels and prevent oxidative damage in testicular and epididymal tissues of scopolamine-induced rat model of amnesia

“…Group 7 received donepezil and scopolamine between day 21 and 28. The dosage of caffeine (5 and 25 mg/kg BW) was used based on the study of Oboh et al , and Akomolafe et al , while that of scopolamine (2 mg/kg BW) was in accordance with the report of Lee et al . and Lee et al .…”