Stress is a major reason for alcohol consumption in males. The adverse effects of alcohol and stress on all aspects of male reproductive functions have been widely reported in literature. These effects have been majorly linked to mechanisms resulting in the generation of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress-induced male infertility accounts for a large percentage of male infertility cases globally. Vitamin E is a potent lipid soluble antioxidant; its effects on alcohol- and stress-induced male gonadal dysfunction were investigated in this study. Male Wistar rats (150-180 g) were randomly placed in eight groups of five rats each and treated daily for three weeks as follows; Control (distilled water), Vitamin E (200 mg/Kg), Alcohol (3 mL/Kg), Alcohol+Vitamin E, Stress (2 hours of immobilisation-induced stress), Stress+Vitamin E, Alcohol+Stress and Alcohol+Stress+Vitamin E. After treatment animals were euthanized. Weights of reproductive organs, epididymal sperm profile and serum reproductive hormone levels were assessed. Vitamin E increased the sperm concentration (mean±SEM; 97.2 ± 2.3 versus 96.8 ± 6.1 x 106/mL) and serum testosterone levels (1.0 ± 0.1 versus 0.3 ± 0.1 ng/mL) reduced by alcohol+stress exposure. Gonadal tissues from the alcohol and stress groups showed structural derangements on histological examination which were prevented or reduced by vitamin E. These results suggest a fertility-protecting role for vitamin E in males who live sedentary lifestyles and also consume alcohol.
Future Physiology 2020 (Virutal) (2020) Proc Physiol Soc 46, PC0146
Poster Communications: Amelioration of rat male gonadal function affected by alcohol and stress using oral vitamin E
Olufadekemi Kunle-Alabi1, Opeyemi Akindele1, Yinusa Raji1
1 Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Where applicable, experiments conform with Society ethical requirements.