Protective effect of gallic acid on nicotine-induced testicular toxicity in mice

Abstract

Background and purpose: Nicotine is an alkaloid found in many nutrients and tobacco that can cause infertility in men. Gallic acid is a powerful antioxidant that possesses antimutagenic and anticancer activities. This study aimed to determine the potential protective effect of gallic acid against nicotine-induced testicular toxicity in male mice. Experimental approach: In this in vivo study, forty-eight mice were equally divided into eight groups intraperitoneally receiving normal saline (control), nicotine (0.6 mg/kg), gallic acid (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg), and gallic acid (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) plus nicotine. Nicotine was injected intraperitoneally for 14 days and gallic acid was administered concomitantly with nicotine and continued for 7 days later. Then, body and testicular weights, the sperm parameters (viability, number, motility, and morphology of sperm), and testicular histology were evaluated. Also, serum levels of nitric oxide, total antioxidant, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and testosterone were measured. Findings/Results: The results showed that the administration of nicotine significantly reduced testis and body weight, sperm count, viability, normal morphology and motility, seminiferous tubules diameter, testosterone levels, serum levels of total antioxidants, and superoxide dismutase compared to the control group ( P < 0.05). It also significantly increased the level of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde ( P < 0.05). Increasing the dose of gallic acid along with nicotine significantly increased body weight, sperm count, viability, normal morphology and motility, the diameter of seminiferous, testosterone concentration, total antioxidant levels ( P < 0.05). This combination also significantly decreased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels compared to the nicotine-receiving group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion and implications: Gallic acid had a protective effect on nicotine-induced testicular toxicity in mice. It can neutralize the harmful effect of nicotine on male fertility in smokers.

An overview of the nutritional value, health properties, and future challenges of Chinese bayberry

“…The promising nutritive and health-related benefits of certain secondary metabolites present within CB fruits remain to be assessed. For example, gallic acid has been shown to be effective for the treatment of liquefied petroleum gas poisoning ( Akinmoladun et al, 2021 ), and intestinal parasites ( Bouaziz et al, 2021 ), and in smokers, it can also reverse the negative impacts of nicotine on male fertility ( Jalili et al, 2021 ). As CB fruits contain relatively high gallic acid levels (7.30 × 10 6 ), further research into the health-related benefits of this CB-derived compound is warranted.…”

Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds: Exploring Neuroprotective, Metabolic, and Hepatoprotective Effects for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

“…The robust anti-inflammatory activity of GA could be used to treat a variety of inflammation-related diseases [15]. It is extensively discussed in the literature of this field [14][15][16][17][18][19]. Other bioactive compounds from vegetal sources have also been discussed and studied, claiming the same health benefits, and relating antibacterial, cardioprotective, anti-cancer, and antiinflammatory effects, as well as immune system stimulating and skin protective effects [11,20].…”

Protective effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of corn silk on nicotine-induced reproductive system disorders in male mice

“…Nicotine easily passes through the membrane of body cells and has the ability to react with some intracellular components such as tubulin protein in the cytoplasm of dividing cells such as germ cells. It has been found that the consumption of nicotine causes disruption in the spermatogenesis process; atrophy and damage to the testicles through induce oxidative stress and increase reactive oxygen radicals (ROS) production in mice ( Jalili et al ., 2021 ). The balance of the oxidant and antioxidant defense systems is essential for maintaining sperm functionality.…”