The toxic profile of tramadol combined with nicotine on the liver and testicles: evidence from endoplasmic reticulum stress

Abstract

Background: Tramadol is a substance of abuse in the Middle East, and smoking is extremely common among the population.Methods:An experimental study was performed on Sprague Dawley rats to explore the effect of both nicotine and tramadol on the liver and testes. Tramadol was administered at 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg in the liver and testes, respectively, while nicotine was administered at 125 mcg/kg. Western blot analysis of BIP (immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein) and CHOP (CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein) revealed that fewer problems were induced by adding nicotine to tramadol. Conclusions:The results showed mild endoplasmic reticulum stress markers (BIP and CHOP), autophagy, and apoptosis in the liver samples. Histological examination revealed stable spermatogenesis with normal androgen blood levels in the different groups.