Effects of a standardized 40% ellagic acid pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) extract on seminiferous tubule histopathology, diameter, and epithelium thickness in albino Wistar rats after heat exposure

Abstract

Background and Aim: It has long been known that the spermatogenic tissue is very sensitive to temperatures higher than its physiologic temperature and causing cessation of activity and resulting in sterility. This study investigated the effect of a standardized 40% ellagic acid extract of pomegranate on the histopathology, diameter, and epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubules in albino rats exposed to heat. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five male albino Wistar rats were randomized at 7-8 months of age to five treatment groups. Group C was not treated; Group T0 was treated with 0.5% of Na carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) 2 ml/day and exposed to heat. T1, T2, and T3 were treated with 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg/day of a standardized 40% ellagic acid extract of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), respectively. The animals were orally administered Na CMC or pomegranate extract and were exposed to sunlight for 15 min at 40°C-42°C for 14 days. The animals were sacrificed on day 15 and the testes were removed for histological evaluation and measurement of seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelium thickness. Results: The diameter of seminiferous tubules from rats exposed to heat and treated with 300 mg/kg/day pomegranate extract was larger and the epithelia thicker than those in the other groups (p= <0.05). The protective effects of the standardized 40% ellagic acid extract may have been mediated by its antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Compared with controls, administration of 300 mg/kg/day of a standardized 40% ellagic acid extract of P. granatum L. for 14 days increased seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelium thickness in albino Wistar rats exposed to heat. Keywords: diameter, epithelium thickness, heat, pomegranate extract, seminiferous tubule.

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

“…Additionally, in the present study, treatment with ellagic acid significantly increased spermatogenic lineage which leads to a significant increase in the thickness of the seminiferous tubule epithelium and diameter. Utomo et al also reported that anthocyanin had a key role in ameliorating the oxidative stress that leads to maintaining the normal spermatogenesis and following preserve the spermatogenic cells [79]. Hence, enhanced epithelium thickness is related Rostami et al BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2022) 22:170 to increased numbers of Sertoli and spermatogenic cells [79], which is similar to our results.…”

“…Utomo et al also reported that anthocyanin had a key role in ameliorating the oxidative stress that leads to maintaining the normal spermatogenesis and following preserve the spermatogenic cells [79]. Hence, enhanced epithelium thickness is related Rostami et al BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2022) 22:170 to increased numbers of Sertoli and spermatogenic cells [79], which is similar to our results.…”

Effects of Javanese Ginseng Root Extracts (Talinum triangulare W.) on Thickness of Seminiferous Tubules of Male Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Exposed by Cigarette Smoke

“…This study showed that exposure to cigarette smoke two sticks per day could decrease the thickness of seminiferous tubules in the positive control group compared to the normal group, which is in accordance with a study by Putra (2014), in which the group exposed to cigarette smoke would have a decrease in the thickness of epithelial cells of seminiferous tubules due to dysfunction of the Sertoli and spermatogenic cells which inhibit spermatogenesis process. 18,19 Cigarette smoke contains various chemical substances which can induce the formation of free radicals (ROS) in the body. The testis is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and susceptible to free radicals.…”

Astragalus membranaceus and Punica granatum alleviate infertility and kidney dysfunction induced by aging in male rats

“…Pomegranate also improved the histological structure of testes with normal spermatogenesis, well preserved Sertoli cells and well delineated tubular basement membrane. The interstitium between tubules and Leydig cells was also intact (Utomo et al, 2019). The decline in the renal function is a well-known aspect of normal ageing (Kafetz, 1983), with decreased kidney function and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (Denic et al, 2016).…”