Ameliorative Effect of Sugarcane (Blackstrap) Molasses against Gamma Radiation or Manganese- Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

SUGARCANE molasses is a potent antioxidant. Radiation and excess manganese are toxins causing a wide range of adverse effects that can be severe and induce tissues damage to mammals. In an attempt to minimize these effects, the present study aims to evaluate the mitigating effect of molasses on radiation or manganese toxicity-induced testicular tissue damage. Rats were whole-body gamma-irradiated with a single dose of 6Gy, or administered MnCl2 4H2O in a single intraperitoneal injection (100mg/kg body weight). The results showed that molasses treatment (200mg/ 100g body weight/day) for seven days post-radiation or manganese toxicity induced a marked amelioration in the oxidative stress biomarkers of serum and testicular tissues of rats manifested by decreased levels of total nitrate/nitrite (NOx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) associated with an elevation in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Molasses treatment has induced also a significant elevation in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX). Marked improvement in the level of serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and glucose was also observed. Moreover, molasses was effective in modulating the concentration levels of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se) in testicular tissue and epididymis. Additionally, the epididymal sperm count, as well as motility and viability percentage had markedly increased in rats treated with molasses, whereas there was a significant decrease in the number of sperms with abnormal morphology. In conclusion, sugarcane molasses can be considered as a new natural mitigating agent on the testicular injury induced by radiation or Mn-toxicity.