Abstract
Oxidative stress mechanisms are involved in xenobiotic-induced testicular dysfunctions which consequently lead to male infertility, however, antioxidants work like a defense system, disarming free radicals. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the maintenance of testicular integrity using D-Riboce-L-cysteine on X–ray induced testicular damage in adult wistar rats (<i>Rattus Novergicus</i>). A total of 20 male rats were randomly selected into Five (5) groups of Four (4) animal each. Control animals received only water while treated animals include: animals induced with X–ray only; around the pelvic and perineum region at about 95 kv, 12.5 milliampere-seconds (mA.s), 50 focal field distance (FFD), animals treated with D-Riboce-L-cysteine at 30 mg/kg body weight of D-Riboce-L-cysteine before exposed to 95 kv, 12.5 milliampere-seconds (mA.s), 50 focal field distance (FFD) of X-ray, animals treated with 95kv, 12.5 milliampere-seconds (mA.s), 50 focal field distance (FFD) of X-ray per animal before receiving 30 mg/kg body weight of D-Riboce-L-cysteine and animals treated with 30 mg/kg body weight of D-Riboce-L-cysteine only. After 21 days of treatments, the animals were sacrificed, and the testes were excised following abdominal incision, fixed in Bouin’s fluids for histological observations and right testis was homogenized in 5% sucrose solution for determination of enzymes of carbohydrates metabolism. Sperm was obtained from the caudal part of the epididymis for analysis of sperm characteristics. Reduced sperm count, abnormal morphology and significant (p < 0.05) higher non motile sperm characterized the animals expose to X-ray. However, sperm characteristics was maintained in control animals (p < 0.05) and animals treated with D-Riboce-L-cysteine only. Reduced activities in enzyme of carbohydrate metabolism (G-6-PDH) and significant increase in the level of lipid peroxidation shown by the activities of MDA in the X-ray treated groups compared to animals treated with D-Riboce-L-cysteine (p < 0.05) and the control animals. Abnormal widening of the interstitial space, loss of the basal laminal, degeneration in spermatogonia with vacuolation. Loss of germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules were also observed in animals expose to X-ray. Exposure to X-ray disrupts spermatogenesis by disruption and depletion of the spermatids and spermatogonia population, which caused increase in testicular tissue damage and consequently, altered the sperm characteristics. D-Riboce-L-cysteine clearly demonstrated maintenance of testicular integrity and enhance sperm characteristics; indication of fertility enhancing ability.
Highlights
With the development of nuclear technique, human beings are facing more dangerous effects of using ionizing radiation in different aspects of modern life than before [1]
The testis is afforded with antioxidants protection as an elaborate array of antioxidants enzymes, free radical scavengers, and low oxygen tension in order to support the wellbeing of the testes and leydig cells steroidogenic function [2]
The testes have several protective mechanisms that minimize the toxic potential of these reactive oxygen species to ensure that the twin processes spermatogenic and steroidogenic functions of this organ are not impacted by oxidative stress [8]
Summary
With the development of nuclear technique, human beings are facing more dangerous effects of using ionizing radiation in different aspects of modern life than before [1]. Ionizing radiation inflicts its adverse effects through the generation of oxidative stress that unleash large-scale destruction or damage of various biomolecules. The testis is afforded with antioxidants protection as an elaborate array of antioxidants enzymes, free radical scavengers, and low oxygen tension in order to support the wellbeing of the testes and leydig cells steroidogenic function [2]. During times of environmental stress (UV or heat exposure), ROS levels can increase dramatically result in significant damage to cell structures [6] known as oxidative stress. The testes have several protective mechanisms that minimize the toxic potential of these reactive oxygen species to ensure that the twin processes spermatogenic and steroidogenic functions of this organ are not impacted by oxidative stress [8]
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