Preventive role of Crataegus monogyna on sperm quality and testis oxidative stress against copper-induced toxicity

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial use of common hawthorn Crataegus monogyna aqueous extract at 1.5g/Kg bw/day against chronic copper sulfate intoxication (100mg/Kg bw) in Wistar rats. Material and Method: Animals were divided into 6 groups; the untreated control (C), 2 positive controls treated respectively with hawthorn fruits (F) and leaves (L), 1 group treated with copper (Cu) and 2 combined treatment groups treated with Cu and hawthorn-fruits (CuF) and Cu and hawthorn-leaves (CuL). After 30 days of oral administration, testis weight and plasma testosterone levels were evaluated, in addition to the epididymal sperm concentration, motility, vitality, velocity (VCL, VSL and VAP), the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), and the beat cross frequency (BCF). Testicular glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were also evaluated. Result and Discussion: Cu exposure reduced testosterone, sperm concentration, live sperm, VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH, BCF, GSH, and GPx levels compared to control groups. Dead sperm and MDA levels were increased in rats of Cu group compared to the untreated control. When compared to the Cu group, levels of testosterone, sperm concentration, sperm motility, live sperm, VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH, BCF, GSH, and GPx were much higher in the CuF and CuL groups, along with a significantly lower MDA concentration. In conclusion, hawthorn, when co-administered as an aqueous extract with Cu, protected most biological markers against copper toxicit, while positive control (s) boosted sperm concentration and velocity (VCL and VAP).