Antioxidant effects of ellagic acid on testicular tissue of rats exposed to tobacco smoke

Abstract

Aim: Tobacco smoke negatively affects the male reproductive system. Ellagic acid (EA) has protective effects against oxidative damage. The aim of the study was to examine the protective effects of EA on testis of rats exposed to tobacco smoke. Material and Methods: Twenty-four male Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups (n=6): Control, tobacco smoke (TS), tobacco smoke+corn oil (TS+C) and tobacco smoke+ EA (TS+EA). TS, TS+C and TS+EA groups were exposed to tobacco smoke 1 hour twice a day and EA was applied 12 mg/kg every other day. Testis tissues were removed. eNOS immunohistochemical stain and TUNEL methods were applied. Biochemical analyzes and sperm analyzes were performed. Results: Degeneration in germinative epithelium, cell debris in the seminiferous tubule lumen, seperation in basement membrane, atrophic tubules, vascular congestion and edema in interstitial area were observed in TS and TS+C groups. Increased apoptotic cells and eNOS immunreactivity were observed in TS and TS+C groups. EA administration caused a decrease in histological alterations, eNOS immunreactivity and apoptotic cells. Increased MDA levels, decreased CAT and GSH-Px activities were observed in TS and TS+C groups. MDA levels decreased, CAT and GSH-Px activities increased in TS+EA group. A significant increase in the amount of abnormal sperm was detected in TS and TS+C groups. The reduction in the amount of abnormal sperm was detected in TS+EA group. Conclusions: Exposure to TS led to marked alterations on testes tissue and treatment with EA might prevent these toxic effects.

Ellagic acid improved diabetes mellitus-induced testicular damage and sperm abnormalities by activation of Nrf2

“…Although the stimulatory effect of EA on the antioxidant markers is the first to be shown in the testes of this diabetic animal model, all the other previous studies which were held in other animal model have shown that EA prevents testicular damage and improve sperm parameter by enhancing the testicular levels of GSH, SOD, and catalase. ( Girish et al, 2014 , Ateşşahin et al, 2010 , Kaya et al, 2017 , Mehrzadi et al, 2018 , Hamza and Al-Baqami, 2019 ). Besides, by reducing the generation of ROS, EA prevented erectile dysfunction in diabetic rats ( Goswami et al, 2014 ).…”

“…During the last decades, extensive research has been conducted to reveal the health beneficial effects of EA, and several studies have confirmed its ability to treat several chronic disorders including cancers, DM, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) by exerting antioxidant properties ( Ahmed et al, 2016 ). Also, EA prevented testicular damage, restored sperm count, preserved sperm motility and morphology, and attenuated the alteration in sex hormones in several animal models of reproductive toxicity including those induced by monosodium glutamate, arsenic, tobacco smoke, polychlorinated biphenyl, and sodium valproate ( Türk et al, 2008 , Girish et al, 2014 , Kaya et al, 2017 , Mehrzadi et al, 2018 , Hamza and Al-Baqami, 2019 ). EA also prevented erectile dysfunction in diabetic rats ( Goswami et al, 2014 ).…”

Ellagic acid effects on testis, sex hormones, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the relative sterility rat model following busulfan administration

“…It also inhibits the production of free radicals mediated by iron in vitro [42]. Previous studies have shown that ellagic acid reduces the side effects of arsenic, cisplatin, tobacco smoke, and monosodium glutamate-induced testicular structural alterations in male rats [43][44][45][46].…”