Possiple Protective Role of Ascorbic Acid on Ethanol Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: Exposure to ethanol results in many pathophysiologic changes in the function of the reproductive system caused by the alcohol itself and the effects of its metabolism in recurrent use. Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize harmful compounds and potentiate the antioxidant capacity. Aim: this study was aimed to evaluate the protective effects of ascorbic acid against testicular changes caused by ethanol in adult male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male rats were randomly distributed into four groups treated for 63 consecutive days, control group: was treated with distilled water only orally by gastric tube. Ascorbic acid group: was treated with ascorbic acid (100 mg/day/rat) dissolved in distilled water (dilution 50%), once daily orally by gastric tube. Ethanol group: was treated with ethanol (0.7g/kg) dissolved in distilled water (dilution 50% ), once daily orally by gastric tube. Ethanol and ascorbic acid group: was treated with ethanol and ascorbic acid in the same previous doses orally by gastric tube. At the end of the study, rats were weighed then blood samples were obtained from each group to estimate the level of testosterone. Then the rats were sacrificed. The testes were dissected and weighed then used for evaluation of oxidative parameters (GSH and MDA), histopathological examination of testes by light and electron microscope. Results: Concomitant administration of ascorbic acid with ethanol resulted in a highly significant rise in body weight, with increase in mean testosterone level but this rise was insignificant, there was a highly significant decrease in MDA level and there was a highly significant increase in GSH level. Regarding histopathological results in the group of ascorbic acid with ethanol showed improvement in all histopathological changes induced by ethanol. As regard ultrastructure changes, microscopic examination in ethanol group revealed thickening of basement membrane, mitochondrial changes, degenerated spermatid with distorted acrosomal cap, with decrease in the sperm count results which were improved in the group of ascorbic acid with ethanol. Conclusion: oral administration of ethanol daily (50% dilution) for 63 consecutive days in adult albino rats caused various testicular lesions which were significantly reduced with combined administration of ascorbic acid as an antioxidant.