AMELIORATING EFFECT OF ZINC ON PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT INDUCED DNA AND SPERM DAMAGE IN MALE SPRAGUE DAWLEY RATS

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress induced DNA damage and impairment in testicular tissue histology are indicative of male infertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective role of Zinc on Protein supplement induced damage to the DNA and testicular tissue histology. Methods: The study comprised a total 30 male Sprague Dawley rats divided into Group 1 (n=10) fed on standard laboratory food, Group 2 (n=10) fed on standard laboratory food and dietary supplement powder and Group 3 (n=10) fed on standard laboratory food, dietary supplement powder and Zinc. Serum levels of 8-hydroxy-2?-deoxyguanosine were estimated with ELISA. Testicular Tissue histology was examined for Spermatogenic cells, size of seminiferous tubules and lumen of seminiferous tubules. Results: Mean±SEM of serum 8-hydroxy-2?-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in Group-2 rats was significantly increased (p<0.05) as compared to Group 1 rats. While Mean±SEM of serum 8-hydroxy-2?-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels of Group 3 rats was significantly decreased (p<0.05) as compared to Group 2 rats. There was no significant difference in Mean±SEM of serum 8-hydroxy-2?-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels between Group-1 and Group-3. Evident pathological changes were seen in the testicular tissue of the Group-2 rats, characterized by atrophic seminiferous tubules with reduced number of spermatogenetic cells and widening of lumen. Rats of Group 3 received Zinc supplement and showed normal seminiferous tubules with increased number of mature spermatozoa in their lumen. Conclusion: Soy protein and silicon dioxide induce DNA damage and destroys testicular tissue. Zinc has potential to restore the DNA damage and testicular tissue structure. Pak J Physiol 2021;17(3):22?6