Ethanolic extract of propolis and vitamin E attenuates metal-induced testicular necrosis: time-related study on male reproductive system in albino mice

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of propolis and vitamin E against time-related metal (aluminum chloride)-induced toxicity on the male reproductive system in albino mice (n = 63). Animals were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 9 each). Group I (control) received 0.9% saline solution; group II was given 50 mg/kg of aluminum chloride (AlCl3); groups III and IV were administered vitamin E (150 mg/kg) and propolis (50 mg/kg), respectively; and groups V, VI and VII were administered AlCl3 + vitamin E, AlCl3 + propolis, and AlCl3 + vitamin E + propolis, respectively, for 45 days. Animals were sacrificed; blood and tissue samples were collected (thrice; fortnightly) for the estimation of hormones i.e., Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Testicular histology, testicular weight, sperm count and motility were estimated. Group II revealed a highly significant decrease in LH, FSH, testosterone, testis weight, sperm count and motility. Groups III–VII showed a significant increase in LH, FSH, testosterone, organ weight, sperm count and motility in the 3rd sampling, as compared to group II. Hence, it is concluded that vitamin E and propolis, acting individually as well as synergistically, mitigate metal-induced time-related toxicity on the reproductive system and testicular histology of male mice.