This study is aimed to explain the possible protective effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) against reproductive toxicity, hormonal alterations, and oxidative damage induced by Sertraline (SRT) in male rats. Animals were orally administered with NSO (800 mg/kg/day), SRT (20 mg/kg/day), and NSO+SRT for 28 consecutive days. Results showed that SRT significant decreased LH and testosterone. Glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes GST, CAT, SOD were also decreased in testicular tissue elucidating oxidative stress, while the MDA level was increased. The level of NO level was decreased in the testes of rats treated with SRT. Also, comet assay showed that SRT increased the % of tail DNA and tail moment as compared to control causing DNA damage. Moreover, histopathological examination of testes showed a shrinkage and degeneration in the seminiferous tubules with disturbance in the tubular and cellular architecture of rats treated with SRT. NSO alone increased LH, testosterone, GSH, and antioxidant enzymes, decreased the levels of MDA and free radicals and kept the normal testes architecture. Furthermore, the protective use of NSO with SRT restore the levels of LH and testosterone, moderate the potential of oxidative and DNA damage as well as ameliorate the testes histopathological changes. In conclusion, the NSO can recover the toxicity of sertraline (SRT) and enhances the reproductive potential in male rats.
Key words: Sertraline- Nigella sativa oil reproductive hormones- Oxidative stress-histopathology- testicular toxicity
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