Protective effects of L ‐arginine against aluminium chloride‐induced testicular damage in rats

Abstract

Aluminium (Al) is a toxic metal with frequent exposure because it is a common element in nature and is found in many products used in daily life. L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that is involved in many biochemical pathways in the body and has antioxidant effects. The current research evaluated the possible protective effects of L-arginine against aluminium chloride (AlCl 3 ) induced testicular damage. In this animal-based experimental study, 28 male Wistar Albino rats were separated into four groups: control, Al (20 mg/kg/day Al), Al + L-arginine (20 mg/ kg/day Al + 50 mg/kg/day L-arginine), and L-arginine (50 mg/kg/day L-arginine). All applications were carried out intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 4 weeks. The histopathological changes caused by exposure to Al in the testicular tissue and the protective effects of L-arginine were investigated by using biochemical, histochemical, immunohistochemical [4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and 8-hydroxy-2 0 -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)] and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay techniques. The testicles in the AlCl 3 group showed increased 4-HNE, 8-OHdG expressions, apoptotic index, and abnormal sperm content, while serum testosterone levels, sperm motility, and sperm number were decreased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, histomorphometric examinations of testicular tissue indicated significant structural impairments such as vacuolization in the seminiferous tubule epithelium, edema, and vascular congestion in the interstitial area (p < 0.05).

Mitigative Effects of l-Arginine and N-Acetyl Cysteine against Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Dysfunction and Toxicity through the Regulation of Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Markers: Role of miR-155 and miR-34c Expression

“…Combined administration of LA plus NAC significantly exhibited a better histological result against CIS testicular toxicity. Recent studies 19,103 have confirmed the testicular protective effect of both LA and NAC against toxic agents.…”

“… 99 l -Arginine restores testosterone levels toward normalcy and this finding agreed with others. 19 Also, LA attenuates oxidative stress by reducing lipid peroxidation (MDA) along with a significant enhancement in antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), which is attributed to its free radical scavenging properties and suppression of the oxidation process. 100 LA reduced serum levels of TNFα and IL-1β due to its direct anti-inflammatory action that reduces inflammatory cytokine production, as well as an indirect action that may be owing to its enhancement of NO production that resulted in decrease in leukocyte adhesion.…”

“…IP on day 21 of the experiment; 39 the third group (NAC) received N-acetylcysteine at a dose of 150 mg/kg b.wt. intragastric; 40 the fourth group was injected l -arginine (LA) at a dose of 50 mg/kg b.wt IP; 19 the fifth group (NAC + CIS); sixth group (LA + CIS); and seventh group (NAC + LA + CIS). NAC and LA were administered daily for a continuous 28 days.…”

“…17 Several natural products and compounds, such as lycopene, melatonin, taurine, L-carnitine, and bilobetin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, were administered to protect against CIS-induced testicular toxicity.. 8,10,11,14,18 L-arginine (LA) is a semiessential amino acid, not essential for health, but it becomes essential and needed in cases of inflammation, childhood, and adolescence. 19 It is naturally present in poultry, red meat, fish, and eggs. A recent study reported that LA can improve male reproductive fertility; 20 it is also involved in several vital biochemical pathways.…”