Abstract
Aim:This study aimed to evaluate the effect of shell supplementation on the regulation of male reproduction in ratsMaterials and Methods:The zinc (Zn) level of shell from blood clam (Anadara granosa), green mussel (Perna viridis), and conch shell (Telescopium telescopium) was analyzed. The highest Zn content shell was fed to male Sprague Dawley rats for 0, 9, 30, and 50 days at the dose of either 0.09 mg/200 g BW or 0.18 mg/200 g BW. To determine the testosterone levels, blood was collected through the infraorbitalis sinus just before the rat was sacrificed. Testicular and brain were also collected for Cyp19 aromatase receptor analysis.Results:The Zn level in the shell of blood clam, green mussel, and conch shell 61.55 mg/kg, 2.78 mg/kg, and 3.93 mg/kg, respectively. The testosterone level of T1 group receiving 0.18 mg/200 g BW for 0, 9, 30, and 50 days was 1.42±0.59, 2.15±1.58, 2.98±2.53, and 8.11±2.03 ng/mL, respectively. The testosterone level of T2 group receiving 0.09 mg/200 g BW for 0, 9, 30, and 50 days was 2.50±0.32, 1.25±0.60, 3.87±3.27, and 3.54±0.23 ng/mL, respectively. The T3 group receiving Na-CMC showed the level of testosterone at days 0, 9, 30, and 50 days was 0.77±0.22, 1.99±1.65, 4.12±0.07, and 2.19±1.30 ng/mL, respectively. Finally, the T4 group receiving Zn showed testosterone levels at days 0, 9, 30, and 50 days was 0.51±0.58, 2.24±3.16, 4.58±1.97, and 2.89±0.20 ng/mL, respectively. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between the T1 group compared to the other groups. However, the absence of expression of Cyp19 aromatase both in Leydig cells and the brain indicated no conversion of testosterone to estradiol. To add, this finding showed the potential use of the shell to boost the testosterone level in male rats.Conclusion:Shell acted as an aromatase blocker to boost the testosterone level in male rats. This also indicates its promising application in birds to manipulate the quality of song and feather.
Highlights
Shellfish is an abundant product, especially in Eastern Indonesia
The absence of expression of Cyp19 aromatase both in Leydig cells and the brain indicated no conversion of testosterone to estradiol
This finding showed the potential use of the shell to boost the testosterone level in male rats
Summary
Shellfish is an abundant product, especially in Eastern Indonesia. In addition to its delicious taste, shellfish contains numerous vitamins and nutrients. Approximate composition of fatty acid, amino acid profiles, and mineral content has been determined in oysters (Crassostrea madrasensis). The moisture protein, fat, carbohydrate, and ash content in oysters are 82.64%, 9.41%, 3.25%, 3.2%, and 1.01%, respectively. They are rich in macrominerals and trace elements, especially zinc (Zn) and selenium. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are the most common lipid including eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and linoleic acid [1]. Zn is very important and can be used as an aphrodisiac; a stimulant of enzymes, hormones, and the immune system.
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