Histomorphometric studies of the effects of Telfairia occidentalis on alcohol-induced gonado-toxicity in male rats

Abstract

BackgroundAvailable evidence suggests that 50% of couples with infertility are male related. Over 40% of these males consume alcohol which has been reported to be a reproductive toxicant causing depletions in the epithelium of seminiferous tubules hence reducing sperm counts and sperm morphology.ObjectiveTo determine the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis on alcohol-induced cyto-architectural changes in the testis.MethodsAqueous leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (T. occidentalis) was administered by gastric gavage at a dose of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight daily, while 2 g/kg body weight of ethanol at 30% v/v was administered daily to mature male Sprague–Dawley rats. The experiment was in 2 phases. Phase 1 had groups A1–F1 and lasted for 4 weeks while phase 2 had groups A2–F2 and lasted 8 weeks. Parameters tested include: testicular histology, relative volume density, sperm parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione.ResultsIn both phases, there were depletions in the seminiferous epithelium, decreased sperm quality and increased MDA and SOD in animals that received alcohol only compared to control. Likewise, a significant increase of seminiferous epithelium of animals that received respective doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of T. occidentalis only compared to control. Animals that received T. occidentalis and alcohol simultaneously had a significant increase in seminiferous epithelium and sperm quality with decreased MDA level.ConclusionT. occidentalis attenuated the deleterious effects of alcohol to the cyto-architecture of the testis, protected the seminiferous epithelium, reduced oxidative stress and promoted spermatogenesis.

Spermatogenic and spermatotoxic effects of Telfairia occidentalis (Ugu) aqueous leaves extract in adult male Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus)

“…The dose dependent significant increase in sperm count alone and non significant increase in sperm motility and morphology observed in this study demonstrated the efficacy of T. occidentalis over a long period of time at a substantial dose. However, it negated studies by [ 18 ] whose reports showed a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in sperm count and morphology. Another reason for the increase in sperm count may be due to the reparative effect of the phytochemicals present in the TO.…”

Virgin coconut oil extract mitigates testicular‐induced toxicity of alcohol use in antiretroviral therapy

“…The consequence of prolonged toxic xenobiotics on actively dividing cells during spermatogenetic cell division ultimately resulting in cessation may also play a significant role in germinal cell degeneration (Vidal & Whitney, ). Our result agrees with previous studies which reported that the induction of HAART (Azu et al ., ; Ogedengbe et al ., ) or alcohol (Dosumu et al ., ; Akang et al ., ) causes severe effects on germinal cells leading to extensive necrosis and disruption of spermatogenensis. Decreased seminiferous tubular diameter, widened lumen, and hypocellular interstitium were also observed.…”

Nitrite-induced testicular toxicity in rats: therapeutic potential of walnut oil

“…Morphometric studies were carried out as reported by Akang et al (2015). The primary aim was to estimate the volumes of seminiferous tubule epithelium (seminiferous epithelium) and interstitium in the testes.…”