The Possible Protective Role of N-acetylcysteine against Testicular Toxicity Induced by Paracetamol Overdose in Adult Male Rats

Abstract

Many substances, even medicines with proven therapeutic benefits, can harm cells by metabolically activating them into extremely reactive substances. Paracetamol is one of the most widely used over-the-counter analgesics. This study examines the harmful effects of paracetamol on the lipid peroxidation process in testes homogenates as well as enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities. Also, examine the effects on male hormones and sperm count. The study also assesses if N-acetylcysteine protects against testicular damage induced by paracetamol excess. Forty mature male albino rats were created. Group 1 as a control, Group 2 paracetamol (650 mg/kg), Group 3 NAC (150 mg/kg), and Group 4 both paracetamol and NAC. Samples of blood and testicles were taken after 15 days to measure sperm and testicular biochemistry. Testicular tissues had considerably higher amounts of MDA and H2O2. SOD, GSH, and CAT levels significantly decreased. FSH and LH rise. On the other hand, testosterone levels decrease following paracetamol exposure. The administration of NAC generated changes in testosterone levels, FSH, LH, and antioxidant enzymes. The sperm morphology showed an increase in abnormalities but a significant decrease in motility and count. NAC effectively lowers the toxicity of paracetamol to the testicles while restoring biomarkers associated with normal testicular function.