Hormonal changes and redox imbalance in nicotine-induced testicular toxicity: the mitigating influence of D-ribose l-cysteine

Abstract

Background: The effects of D-ribose L-cysteine on nicotine-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats were examined in this study. Twenty healthy adult male Wistar rats with an average weight of 200 g were grouped as normal control, nicotine (2 mg/kg), D-ribose L-cysteine (30 mg/kg) + nicotine (2 mg/kg), and D-ribose L-cysteine (30 mg/kg). The animals were administered intraperitoneally for 35 days consecutively. Epididymal sperm concentration, motile count, total counts, morphology, and progressive assessment were estimated. Antioxidant levels, tissue protein and testicular histology were also assessed. Results: This study showed reduced antioxidant levels (catalase, super-dioxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) and increased malondialdehyde levels in the nicotine group relative to normal control group, D-ribose L-cysteine group and D-ribose L-cysteine + nicotine group. This study also showed significant reduction in testicular mass, sperm motile count, concentration, total count, and morphology in nicotine group (p < 0.05) compared to normal control group and D-ribose L-cysteine groups. There was improvement in sperm motility, viability, morphology, counts, in group co-treated with D-ribose L-cysteine, and nicotine relative to nicotine group. Likewise, the degenerative seminiferous tubule histoarchitecture due to nicotine was improved by D-ribose L-cysteine. Notably, the D-ribose L-cysteine group showed superlative values in all investigated parameters relative to the other groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the ability of D-ribose L-cysteine to mitigate the toxic effects of nicotine on reproductive functions in male Wistar rats. It also demonstrated the pro-spermatogenic properties of the compound in boosting andrological parameters.

d‐ribose‐l‐cysteine abrogates testicular maladaptive responses induced by polychlorinated bisphenol intoxication in rats via activation of the mTOR signaling pathway mediating inhibition of apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidonitrergic flux

“…The induction of inflammation and oxidative stress by PCBs has been well established. [ 15,17,41,42 ] More so, the therapeutic indication of DRLC supplementation on reproductive potential has been widely documented; [ 17,21–25 ] however, the current study seems to be the first to investigate the effects of DRLC on testicular maladaptive responses.…”

“…[ 15–17 ] In this context, supplementation with antioxidant molecules such as d ‐ribose‐ l ‐cysteine (DRLC) becomes imperative. [ 18–22 ] Also, the potential of repropharmacological activities of DRLC for treatment of repro‐toxicant‐related repro‐pathologies has gained increasing interest. [ 18,21–25 ]…”

“…[ 18–22 ] Also, the potential of repropharmacological activities of DRLC for treatment of repro‐toxicant‐related repro‐pathologies has gained increasing interest. [ 18,21–25 ]…”

The Therapeutic Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate and Rutin, either Alone or in Combination with Low-dose radiation, against Testicular Injury Evoked by Nicotine in Rats

“…The selection of nicotine dose and duration of administration was according to Ashoub et al (2021). In addition to numerous studies, for instance, Oyeyipo et al (2010), Kolawole et al (2019), and Ukwenya et al (2020).…”

Effects of Cellgevity® on the milt quality of catfish,Clarias gariepinus extended in sodium citrate during chilled storage

“…It is marketed as an antioxidant and its total antioxidant potential has been determined In vitro on selected rat liver cytochrome P450 enzyme activity (N'guessan et al, 2018). It is known to be an effective antioxidant that improved spermatozoa quality (Gaucher et al, 2018;Ukwenya et al, 2020). Its effect on milt characteristics has not been reported.…”