Abstract

High salt diet (HSD) impairs testicular function via oxidative stress. Cyperus esculentus contains antioxidants and improves testicular function. We investigated the protective effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of Cyperus esculentus on testicular function in HSD-fed Wistar rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats (125-135g) 8-9weeks old were divided into five groups (n=5): control, HSD-fed (8% NaCl in feed), extract-treated (500mgkg-1 day-1 ), HSD-fed +500mgkg-1 day-1 of extract and HSD-fed +1,000mgkg-1 day-1 of extract groups. Treatment lasted for 6weeks. HSD decreased (p<.05) sperm parameters and serum reproductive hormones levels, while Cyperus esculentus extract improved (p<.05) sperm parameters, and serum testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in HSD-fed rats. The extract upregulated intra-testicular testosterone level and activities of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-HSD, downregulated malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, and exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines, upregulation of activities of enzymatic antioxidants and increase in total antioxidant capacity in testes of HSD-fed rats. The extract at both doses improved Johnsen's score, Leydig and Sertoli cell counts and seminiferous tubular diameter in HSD-fed rats. Cyperus esculentus exhibited a dose-dependent mitigation of HSD-associated testicular dysfunction by targeting testicular steroidogenesis, oxidative stress and inflammation.

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