Abstract
Objectives
Lead primarily affects male reproductive functions via hormonal imbalance and morphological damage to the testicular tissue with significant alteration in sperm profile and oxidative markers. Though, different studies have reported that Cocos nucifera L. oil has a wide range of biological effects, this study aimed at investigating the effect of Cocos nucifera L. oil on lead acetate-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats.
Methods
Twenty (20) sexually matured male Wistar rats (55–65 days) were randomly distributed into four groups (n=5). Group I (negative control)—distilled water orally for 56 days, Group II (positive control)—5 mg/kg bwt lead acetate intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 14 days, Group III—6.7 mL/kg bwt Cocos nucifera L. oil orally for 56 days and Group IV—lead acetate intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 14 days and Cocos nucifera L. oil for orally for 56 days. Rats were sacrificed by diethyl ether, after which the serum, testis and epididymis were collected and used for semen analysis, biochemical and histological analysis.
Results
The lead acetate significantly increases (p<0.05) testicular and epididymal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while a significant reduction (p<0.05) in sperm parameters, organ weight, testosterone and luteinizing hormone was observed when compared with the negative control. The coadministration of Cocos nucifera oil with lead acetate significantly increases (p<0.05) testosterone, luteinizing hormone, sperm parameters and organ weight, with a significant decrease (p<0.05) in MDA levels compared with positive control. Histological analysis showed that lead acetate distorts testicular cytoarchitecture and germ cell integrity while this was normalized in the cotreated group.
Conclusions
Cocos nucifera oil attenuates the deleterious effects of lead acetate in male Wistar rats, which could be attributed to its polyphenol content and antioxidant properties.
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge Mr. Egene Joseph, the principal technician at the department of physiology, Bingham University, for his contribution on semen analysis and laboratory assistance.
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Research funding: None declared.
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Author contributions: All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Competing interests: None declared.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Ethical approval: Approval was obtained from Bingham University research ethics committee which was in accordance with Helsinki guideline for the care and use of laboratory animals.
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