Suggestively, caffeine treatment for 4 weeks could impair body, reproductive organs weight, sperm characteristics, LH/FSH level, and also testicular cyto-architecture. Effects appeared, however, reversible after caffeine withdrawal.

The therapeutic efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and zinc sulphate on di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-induced testicular oxido-nitrergic stress in rats was investigated in 36 male Wistar rats (170 ± 10 g) randomly assigned into one of six groups (n = 6).Group 1 (control) received 2.5 ml/kg of distilled water for 42 days, while group 2 (vehicle) received 2.5 ml/kg of corn oil for 42 days. Groups 3,4,5, and 6 were administered DEHP (750 mg/kg/day) for 21 days, after which groups 4, 5, and 6 received zinc sulphate (0.5 mg/kg/day), NAC (100 mg/kg/day), and zinc sulphate (0.5 mg/kg/day) +-NAC (100 mg/kg/day) for an additional 21 days respectively. After the experimental period, the animals were euthanized by light thiopental sodium, and their testes were carefully dissected out for histological and biochemical assays. The result shows a significant alteration in testicular levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, antioxidant enzymes, total antioxidant capacity, sulphydryl levels, dehydrogenases and testicular architecture following the administration of DEHP. These effects were reversed by coadministration of NAC and zinc sulphate in the study. We therefore concluded that the combined effects of NAC and ZnSO 4 effectively improved testicular antioxidant status and reduced testicular nitregic stress, thus improving testicular architecture and functions.

No abstract

The prevalence of male infertility is a well‐known public health issue with majority of cases due to deficient sperm production of unknown origin. Studies have associated dietary habits with male factor infertility. Chrysophyllum albidum is a common plant that produces a popular fruit, widely consumed for its nutritional and medicinal values. This study investigates the effects of C. albidum fruit methanol extract on the reproductive functions of male Wistar rats. Ripe C. albidum fruit was extracted using methanol and subjected to phytochemical screening. Fifteen male Wistar rats (100–120 g) divided into three (n = 5) received distilled water (control), 1.0 and 6.4 g kg−1 day−1 extract, respectively, for 28 days via oral gavage. The sperm count, motility, percentage sperm aberration, histology of testes and epididymides were examined by microscopy. Serum levels of luteinising hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone were quantified using ELISA. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p < 0.05 significance. Sperm count significantly increased in 6.4 g kg−1 day−1 extract. Serum testosterone level decreased in 1.0 and 6.4 g kg−1 day−1 extract. The architecture of sections of testes and epididymides showed anomalies. C. albidum fruit adversely altered reproductive functions of male Wistar rat.

Introduction:Saccharum offi cinarum is the source of the popularly used refi ned sugar, with reported anti-androgenic effects. Saccharum offi cinarum Molasses (SOM), a sweet byproduct obtained during sugar production, rich in phenolic compounds, minerals and organic acids is being explored as a substitute sweetener for refi ned sugar due to its nutritional advantage. However, paucity of knowledge of its effects on reproductive functions prompts this study designed to assess activities of testicular cells cultured in SOM fractions.Methods: Blackstrap ® Saccharum offi cinarum molasses was fractionated using methanol and water. Constituents of SOM methanol (SOMMF)and aqueous fractions (SOMAqF) were identifi ed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. Testicular cells from twelve rats were isolated, cultured and incubated with SOMMF, SOMAqF, components of SOMMF (Lupeol) and SOMAqF (Diethyl Phthalate). Cell viability, proliferation and testosterone biosynthesis were quantifi ed using MTT assay and ELISA. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at p<0.05. Result:Major constituents from SOMMF and SOMAqF were lupeol (87.2%) and diethyl phthalate (47.4%), respectively. Testicular cell proliferation increased in SOMMF (2.86±0.22) compared to control (1.89±0.18). Lupeol and diethyl phthalate decreased cell proliferation (1.07±0.11 and 1.11±0.17) respectively, compared to the control (1.89±0.18). Testicular cell testosterone biosynthesis was reduced by SOMMF, SOMAqF, Lupeol and Diethyl Phthalate as compared to the control. Conclusion:Saccharum offi cinarum molasses adversely altered testicular cell activities, this may be linked to its constituents; lupeol and diethyl phthalate.