Potential Benefits of Omega 3.5.7 on Cardiovascular and Reproductive Functions of Male Rats Administered L-N G -Nitro Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME)

Abstract

Background: Dietary interventions and lifestyle changes are some of the ways to manage hypertension and its complications. Males with hypertension report infertility and erectile dysfunction. Objective: This study determined the role of Omega 3.5.7 enriched diet on cardiovascular and reproductive functions in male rats administered L-N G -Nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor). Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups of six rats each: Group 1 (control), Group 2 received L-NAME (50 mg/kg b.w. intraperitoneally), Group 3 received L-NAME + Omega 3.5.7, and Group 4 received 1.5% omega 3.5.7 enriched diet. Rats were fed for two weeks and blood pressure parameters were obtained under anaesthesia using a Power Lab system. Blood was withdrawn from the carotid arteries for biochemical and hormonal assays and the caudal epididymis was collected for the assessment of sperm parameters. Results: Systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure, and rate pressure products were increased in the L-NAME and group while levels of antioxidants (GSH, SOD, CAT) were decreased. Omega 3.5.7 supplementation with L-NAME increased GSH and CAT levels when compared with the L-NAME group. Plasma NO and sperm count, sperm motility, and testosterone levels were decreased by L-NAME. The Omega 3.5.7 + L-NAME group increased NO and testosterone levels. Conclusions: Improved antioxidant status, testosterone, and NO levels are indicators that omega 3.5.7 enriched diet could reverse blood pressure and increase the decrease in sperm count and motility induced by L-NAME.