Introduction:Tobacco smoke negatively effects the male reproductive system.Ellagic acid (EA) has protective effects against oxidative damage.The aim of the study was examine the protective effects of EA on tobacco smoke exposed rat testis.
Methods: Twenty-four male adult Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups(n=6): Control, tobacco smoke(TS), tobacco smoke plus corn oil(TS+C) and tobacco smoke plus EA (TS+EA). TS, TS+C and TS+EA groups were exposed to tobacco smoke 1hour twice a day and EA was applied 12 mg/kg (dissolved in corn oil) by oral gavage every other day.At the end of the experimental period of 12 weeks rats were decapitated. Testis tissues removed.eNOS stain and TUNEL methods were applied.Biochemical and sperm analyzes were performed.
Results: Degeneration in germinative epithelium, cell debris in the seminiferous tubule lumen, seperation in basement membrane, atrophic tubules, vascular congestion and edema in interstitial area were observed in TS and TS+C groups.Also, the increased apoptotic cells and eNOS immunreactivity were observed in TS and TS+C groups.EA administration caused a decrease in histological alterations, eNOS immunreactivity and apoptotic cells. Increased MDA levels, decreased CAT and GSH-Px activities observed in TS and TS+C groups.MDA levels decreased, CAT and GSH-Px activities increased in TS+EA group.A significant increase in the amount of abnormal sperm was detected in TS and TS+C groups. The reduction in the amount of abnormal sperm was detected in TS+EA group.
Conclusions: These results indicate that exposure to tobacco smoke led to markedly alterations on testes tissue and treatment with ellagic acid might prevent these toxic effects.
Key words: Tobacco Smoke; Testis; Ellagic Acid; Rat; TUNEL.
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