Fertility Of Male Rats Research Articles

Molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of hypo- and hyper-prolactinemia on spermatogenesis and fertility in male rats.

Hypo- and hyper-prolactinemia have deleterious effects on male reproduction, yet there is a dearth of information regarding the underlying mechanisms. The aim of this study was to delineate the molecular mechanisms by which hypo- and hyper-prolactinemia affects spermatogenesis and fertility in male rats. In vivo male rat models for hypo- and hyper-prolactinemia were established using dopamine receptor agonist, Bromocriptine (Brm), and antagonist, Fluphenazine (Flu), respectively. Effects on fertility and spermatogenesis were assessed by studying pre- and post-implantation loss, litter size, sperm parameters, hormonal profile, testicular histology, testicular cell population, and testicular transcriptome in rats. Treatment with Brm and Flu for 60 days led to subfertility, which was indicated by an increase in pre- and post-implantation loss and decrease in litter size, when mated with control female rats. Decreased sperm count was observed after both treatments, whereas reduced sperm motility was noted in Flu group. Serum FSH was unaffected, and LH was decreased by Flu treatment. Testosterone was decreased in both the groups, whereas estradiol was decreased in the Flu group. An arrest in spermatogenic cycle beyond round spermatids was observed in the Flu group. Additionally, testicular apoptosis in germ cells, mostly spermatocytes of Stage IX-XIV was noted in both the groups. Further, testicular RNA-Seq analysis revealed a total of 1539 and 824 differentially expressed genes/DEGs in Brm and Flu, respectively (Sequence Read Archive/SRA Database accession number: PRJNA1150513). Gene ontology and pathway analysis of DEGs highlighted enrichment of steroid metabolic pathway and ribosomal biogenesis pathway. Hub genes identified from the DEGs were validated by qPCR and the results showed that Uba52, Rps27a, Rpl23, Rps5, Rps16 were significantly down-regulated by Brm, whereas Rps27a, Rps29, Rps15, Rps27, Faul1 were significantly down-regulated by Flu. Hypo- and hyper-prolactinemia leads to subfertility and decreased sperm parameters possibly through an effect on steroid metabolism and ribosomal biogenesis pathway. Therefore, maintaining prolactin levels in physiological range is crucial.

Protective Effects of Chitosan-Loaded Pomegranate Peel Extract Nanoparticles on Infertility in Diabetic Male Rats.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is known to have an impact on the health of the male reproductive system. It is linked to low sperm quality, increased oxidative stress, and an increased generation of reactive oxygen species in the seminal fluid. Pomegranate extract has phenolic compounds and significant protective properties against oxidative stress, male sex hormone disruptions, and sperm abnormalities. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Pomegranate Peel Extract Nanoparticles (PPENPs) on male fertility in diabetic rats. DM was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups, 6 rats in each group: control, DM, DM+empty NPs (60 mg/kg, orally), and DM+PPENPs (60 mg/kg, orally). Administration of PPENPs increased the levels of insulin, FSH, LH, testosterone, catalase, glutathione reduced, and semen fructose. PPENPs also improved sperm quality, as seen by improvements in sperm morphology, motility, count, and the ability of metabolically active spermatozoa to convert blue resazurin dye to pink resorufin. However, PPENPs decreased levels of glucose, malonaldehyde, nitric oxide, and sperm abnormalities. Also, histological investigation of the PPENPs showed improvement in testis tissue architecture and increased the diameter size of seminiferous tubules and germinative layer thickness. Our investigation proved that the treatment of PPENPs has a protective effect on the reproductive system of male diabetic rats, improving fertility parameters, healthy sperm profiles, and the antioxidant system.

Resveratrol ameliorates atrazine-induced caspase-dependent apoptosis and fibrosis in the testis of adult albino rats

Pesticides like atrazine which are frequently present in everyday surroundings, have adverse impacts on human health and may contribute to male infertility. The work aimed to analyze the histological and biochemical effects of atrazine on the testis in adult albino rats and whether co-administration with resveratrol could reverse the effect of atrazine. Forty adult male albino rats in good health participated in this study. They were categorized at random into four groups: the Group Ӏ received water through a gastric tube for two months every day, the Group ӀӀ received resveratrol (20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) through a gastric tube for two months every day, the Group ӀӀӀ received atrazine (50 mg/kg bw) through a gastric tube for two months every day, the Group ӀV received concomitant doses of atrazine and resveratrol for two months every day. The testes of the animals were then carefully removed and prepared for biochemical, immunohistochemical, light, and electron microscopic studies. Atrazine exposure led to a significant decrease in serum testosterone hormone level, upregulation of caspase 3 and iNOS mRNA levels, destructed seminiferous tubules with few sperms in their lumens, many collagen fibres accumulation in the tunica albuginea and the interstitium, abnormal morphology of some sperms as well as many vacuolations, and damaged mitochondria in the cytoplasm of many germ cells. Concomitant administration of resveratrol can improve these adverse effects. It was concluded that atrazine exposure is toxic to the testis and impairs male fertility in adult rat and coadministration of resveratrol guards against this toxicity.

Thiacloprid impairs reproductive functions of male Wistar rats

Global male infertility correlated to the rise of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including insecticides, has grown into a pressing problem. Thiacloprid is one of the most commonly used neonicotinoids that accounts for more than 25% of the global pesticide industry. However, its impact on the reproductive system and male fertility has not been fully elucidated. The object of this study was to explore the adverse effects of thiacloprid on male Wistar rats’ reproductive system. Thirty healthy male rats were separated into one of three groups: control group, and two groups that were orally administered with low (22.5 mg/kg) and high dose (62.1 mg/kg) of thiacloprid for 56 days. Thiacloprid significantly (p<0.05) reduced body weight and relative testicular weight, as well as sperm quality (count, motility, viability, and morphology), in a dose-dependent manner. THIA-treated groups revealed a large effect (d > 0.8) on semen quality with Cohen’s d of (6.57, 8.82), (20.14, 23.54), and (2.81, 9.10) for count, motility, and viability respectively. Meanwhile, the serum testosterone level dropped while the levels of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones increased. 17ꞵ-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase and 3ꞵ-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase levels were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The activity of the tested antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), glutathione reduced (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) exhibited a considerable decrease compared to the control group with a significant elevation in the lipid peroxidation activity as indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA) level. The testicular histology revealed degenerative changes in spermatogenic cells and interstitial tissue. Comet assay revealed DNA fragmentation in treated groups’ testicular tissue. Thiacloprid exposure interferes with reproductive function and impairs male Wistar rat fertility. Such harmful consequences may also develop in humans frequently exposed to thiacloprid.

Effect of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima on Cadmium-Chloride-Induced Alterations in Sexual Behavior and Fertility in Male Wistar Rats.

Chronic exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as cadmium (Cd) leads to male reproductive toxicity through the generation of oxidative stress. Spirulina Arthrospira maxima (AM) is a cyanobacterium that has been consumed since ancient times for its high nutritional value, and in recent years for its antiviral, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, anticancer, and antioxidant effects, among others. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of AM against the damage to reproductive health induced by Cd. A total of 48 10-week-old sexually experienced male Wistar rats were distributed in five groups (n = 8): control; vehicle (tween-water); cadmium chloride (CdCl2) 5 mg/kg; and three doses of AM (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) + CdCl2 5 mg/kg. All treatments were orally administered once a day for 36 consecutive days. At the end, sexual behavior was evaluated, and semen, testicle, and blood samples were obtained to analyze sperm quality, enzymatic activity, and testosterone levels, respectively. Rats exposed to Cd showed a decrease in sexual behavior, as well as in the quality of reproductive health, and an increase in oxidative stress; while rats exposed simultaneously to AM + Cd showed an improvement in all this parameters. Based on our results, we believe that the mechanism by which AM exerts its effect could be attributed to the presence of phycobiliproteins. These compounds are responsible for exerting an antioxidant effect and chelating effect on elements such as Cd.

Protective Effect of Heteroxenia fuscescens Extract against Sodium Arsenite-induced Infertility in Male Rats

Background: Arsenic is a potent environmental toxin with dangerous effects on human and animal populations. Heteroxenia fuscescens (H. fuscescens) extract exhibits potential health effects. The purpose of this study was to assess the protective effect of H. fuscescensextract against sodium arsenite-induced infertility and toxicity in rats. Methods: Forty male rats were separated into four groups as follows: control group (2% DMSO, orally), sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg, orally), sodium arsenite + H. fuscescens extract (60 mg/kg in 2% DMSO), and H. fuscescens extract (60 mg/kg in 2% DMSO). Results: GC/MS analysis of H. fuscescens indicates the presence of 10 compounds at retention times of 6.00, 12.53, 19.04, 24.60, 28.56, 35.66, 38.99, 45.29, 48.02, and 52.14. fuscescens extract improves levels of sperm count (53.33 ± 1.52), motility (43.00 ± 1.10), FSH ( 2.17 ± 0.04), LH (2.43 ± 0.06), testosterone (1.87 ± 0.02), and testis weight (0.49 ± 0.01). The antioxidant activity of H. fuscescens extract was reported by a significant decrease in MDA (1.02 ± 0.01) and NO (520.39 ± 14.99) levels, while it significantly increased levels of GSH (1.77 ± 0.07), and CAT (71.38 ± 3.45). Histopathological alterations of the testes, liver, and kidney observed with sodium arsenite have been improved in the treatment group. Conclusion: Heteroxenia fuscescens is beneficial in restoring male sex hormone levels, maintaining a healthy sperm profile, and reducing oxidative stress, all of which lead to an improvement in male rat fertility.

Effects of chronic exposure to soluble fractions of spent engine oil on the fertility of male Wistar rats

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to water-soluble fractions (WSFs) of spent engine oil (SEO) on male fertility in adult male rats. Materials and Methods: The study included 40 rats, which were randomized into 4 groups (n = 10) and treated for 45 days with different SEO concentrations. Group A (the control) received distilled water, while Groups B, C, and D were given 0.2 ml of 10%, 50%, and 100% concentrations of WSF of SEO, respectively, via oral gavage. Results: The study found no significant differences in the gonadometric indices, sperm motility, livability, and sperm concentration among the groups, except for slight changes in the weight and length of the testis and the mean diameter of both testes. However, the study found significant changes in the red blood cell, white blood cell, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and neutrophil values following exposure to SEO. The mean values of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone did not show any significant alterations in the experimental groups compared to the control group. Conclusion: It was concluded that chronic exposure to SEO-soluble fractions can adversely affect the body’s physiological and biochemical processes, but it does not appear to have any significant effect on the fertility of male rats. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to investigate the much longer-term effects of SEO exposure on male fertility.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Unripe Musa Paradisiaca Linn on Parameters Affecting Reproduction in Rats.

Aqueous extract of unripe Musa paradisiaca fruit is commonly used for the treatment of ulcers in eastern Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the acute and subacute effects of an aqueous extract of unripe fruit on male and female fertility in rats. Aqueous extracts obtained by maceration were analyzed for acute and subacute toxicity and for the presence of phytochemical constituents using standard procedures. The extract (100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) was administered daily to rats of both sexes for 28 d. Blood samples collected on days 0 and 28 were assessed for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Testes and ovaries were harvested for histopathological analysis. Sperm were also collected to determine the sperm count and motility. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and resins. After an oral dose of up to 5000 mg/kg, there were no deaths in the acute toxicity test. The extract (500 mg/kg) significantly (P < .05) enhanced sperm count and motility relative to the untreated control; significantly (P < .05) reduced SOD, CAT, and glutathione levels, while significantly (P < .05) elevated LH, FSH, and MDA levels in male and female rats. Histological examination revealed significant structural damage to the ovaries. Unripe Musa paradisiaca fruit exhibited an adverse toxicological profile following prolonged administration and caused oxidative stress in rodents.

Effects of Celery Leaf Aqueous Extract on Fertility and Liver Enzyme in Diabetic Male Rats

Effects of Celery Leaf Aqueous Extract on Fertility and Liver Enzyme in Diabetic Male Rats

Development of MDCK-based quadrivalent split seasonal influenza virus vaccine with high safety and immunoprotection: A preclinical study

Vaccination remains the best prevention strategy against influenza. The MDCK-based influenza vaccine prompted the development of innovative cell culture manufacturing processes. In the present study, we report the effects of multiple administrations of a candidate, seasonal, MDCK-based, quadrivalent split influenza virus vaccine MDCK-QIV in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Moreover, the effects of the vaccine were evaluated in terms of fertility and early embryonic development, embryo–fetal development, and perinatal toxicity in the SD rats and immunogenicity in Wistar rats and BALB/c mice. Regarding the safety profile, MDCK-QIV demonstrated tolerance in local stimulation with repeated dose administration and presented no significant effect on the development, growth, behavior, fertility, and reproductive performance of the adult male rats, maternal rats, and their offspring. MDCK-QIV elicited strong hemagglutination inhibition neutralizing antibody response and protection against the influenza virus in the mouse model. Thus, data supported that MDCK-QIV could be further evaluated in human clinical trial, which is currently underway.

Suppression of Fertility in Male Albino Rats Following the Administration of Piper longum Crude Extracts

Suppression of Fertility in Male Albino Rats Following the Administration of Piper longum Crude Extracts

Protective effect of selenium and vitamin C on the fertility of male rats given penconazole.

Penconazole is used in agriculture and human and veterinary medicine applications. It has been included in the acute toxicity hazard category by the WHO. This study examines the protective effect of selenium and vitamin C on the fertility of male rats given penconazole. Nine groups of rats were given penconazole at concentrations of 50 and 75 mg/ml and selenium and vitamin C at concentrations of 0.5 and 100 mg/ml, respectively. Serum levels of LH and FSH were measured with ELISA kits; β-actin, GPX4, AQP7, PRM2, and BAX gene expression was evaluated with real-time PCR performed on the left testis of each rat. LH, FSH, and testosterone levels were lower in the groups given penconazole (50 and 75 mg/kg). Histopathology showed that the groups given penconazole had the lowest number of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes; these numbers were greater in the groups receiving penconazole together with selenium or vitamin C; and the highest counts were observed in separate groups given Se and vitamin C. GPX4, AQP7, PRM2 and BAX gene expression in the groups receiving penconazole was different from controls and was modulated by treatment with selenium or vitamin C. This study showed that antioxidant compounds have a strengthening effect on the reproductive system and can mitigate the destructive effects of chemical fungicides.

Positive Effects of Almond Seeds in Raising Fertility in Subfertility Male Rats

Positive Effects of Almond Seeds in Raising Fertility in Subfertility Male Rats

Comparative Study between the Effect of Marjoram (Origanum marjoram) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract on the Fertility of Diabetic Male Albino Rats

Comparative Study between the Effect of Marjoram (Origanum marjoram) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract on the Fertility of Diabetic Male Albino Rats

A two-generational reproductive study to assess the effects of Juglans regia on reproductive developments in the male and female rats.

Environmental pollutants and lifestyle severely threaten human and animal health, leading to disturbances of various functions, including infertility. So, exploring a safe treatment that could effectively reverse infertility remains a challenge. The current study was intended to explore the fertility-enhancing effect of Juglans Regia oil in two successive generations of rats; F0 and F1. J. Regia oil was initially tested for in vitro antioxidant assay via ROS and DPPH, followed by in vivo toxicity testing. In the fertility assessment, eighteen pairs of male and female rats (n=36, 1:1, F0 generation) were divided into three groups and dosed with 1 mL/kg and 2 mL/kg daily of J. Regia oil and saline, respectively, up to pre-cohabitation, cohabitation, gestation and lactation periods. The reproductive performance, including body weight, live birth index, fertility index, and litter size, was assessed. Hormonal and antioxidant markers of F1 generations were assessed with the histopathological evaluation of male and female organs. The oil of J. Regia showed great antioxidant potential (P < 0.05) in DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) methods (P<0.05). The continued exposure of the F0 and F1 generations to J. Regia oil did not affect body weight, fertility index, litter size, and survival index. We have found pronounced fertility outcomes in both genders of F0 and F1 generations with J. Regia 2 mL/kg/day in comparison to the control. Results showed that J. Regia significantly increased (P < 0.05) luteinizing hormone (LH), plasma testosterone, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in both generations. Histology of both generations reveals improved spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis with enhanced architecture. Altogether, the present results suggest that J. Regia improved fertility in both male and female rats by improving hormonal activities and oxidative stress.

Antifertility Potential of n-Butanol and Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Penicillium oxalicum OM282858 in Male Albino Rats as Biological Control Agents

Rodents cause significant damage to many crops, spread diseases, and pose a severe risk to public health. Several synthetic contraceptive agents are available for controlling rodents; however, their use is associated with toxic effects on non-target organisms. Penicillium oxalicum has several medical properties, but no reports were available on fertility. This study aimed to assess the antifertility potential of n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts of P. oxalicum in adult male albino rats as biological control agents by lowering the population size of rodent pests. Rats were assigned into three groups (n = 36). The first control group (GI) was injected intraperitoneally with 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The second (GII) and third (GIII) groups were injected with a single dose of 200 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) of n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts of P. oxalicum intraperitoneally, respectively, after dissolving in 0.5% DMSO. Further, P. oxalicum was identified morphologically and molecularly and then submitted with accession number OM282858 to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank. The antifertility potential of P. oxalicum was evaluated after 24 h (the injection period), 96 h, and 168 h (the recovery periods) of treatments. The effects of the treatments on organ weight, testicular histology, histomorphometry measurements, and sperm characteristics were assessed. Both P. oxalicum extracts caused changes in reproductive organ weights, testicular histology, histomorphometry measurements, and spermatogenic arrest accompanied by a significant decrease in the count of epididymal sperm and its motility and an increase in the percentage of sperm abnormalities during the injection and recovery periods. Thus, the results suggest that both P. oxalicum extract treatments cause suppression of fertility in adult male rats. Therefore, these outcomes are essential for public health, farming establishments, and vertebrate pest control managers.

Effect of lead acetate and the role of Nigella sativa in the fertility of male rat

Thirty male rats were divided into six groups , The first and second group were divided into six groups , the first and second group were administrated with lead at dose ( 2 , 6 ) mg / kg of body weight respectively . Extract of Nigella sativa was ingested in drinking water at dose ( 200 ) mg drinking water to third group , the fourth group was ingested extract of Nigella sativa at dose 200 mg / kg drinking water and administrated with lead at dose ( 2 ) mg / kg of body weight while fifth group was ingested extract of Nigella sativa at dose ( 200 ) mg / L drinking water and administrated with lead at dose ( 6 ) mg / kg of body weight .The sixth group considered as a control group so it was not given extract of Nigella sativa or lead .Experiment continued for four weeks .Animals were weighted and anesthetized . Blood samples were collected and serum isolated to measure testosterone level . Testis , epididymis , seminal vesicle and prostate were removed total sperm count , sperm motility and sperm abnormality were calculated . Histological sections were prepared for testis to measure the number of spermatogenesis cells and diameters of seminiferous tubules .Results showed significant decrease in weights ( testis , epididymis , seminal vesicle and prostate ) testosterone level and sperms parameters in first and second as compared with all other groups in the experiment , while there was significant increase in testosterone level in third group as compared with other groups . Results of histological study demonstrated significant decrease in all types of spermatogenic cells and diameter of seminferus tubules in first and second groups as compared with the other groups .While there was significant increase in these histological testes in third group in comparison with other groups . In fourth and fifth groups there were insignificant improvement in these testes as compared with first and second groups .In this study it is concluded that the treatment with extract of Nigella sativa decreased the toxic effects of lead in the reproductive system of male rats .

Meta-Analysis of SNPs Determining Litter Traits in Pigs.

Nearly 2000 SNPs associated with pig litter size traits have been reported based on genome-wide association studies (GWASs). The aims of this study were to gather and integrate previously reported associations between SNPs and five litter traits: total number born (TNB), number born alive (NBA), number of stillborn (SB), litter birth weight (LWT), and corpus luteum number (CLN), in order to evaluate their common genetic background and to perform a meta-analysis (MA) of GWASs for total number born (TNB) recorded for animals from five pig populations. In this study, the genes with the largest number of associations with evaluated litter traits were GABRG3, RBP7, PRKD1, and STXBP6. Only 21 genes out of 233 associated with the evaluated litter traits were reported in more than one population or for more than one trait. Based on this evaluation, the most interesting candidate gene is PRKD1, which has an association with SB and TNB traits. Based on GO term analysis, PRKD1 was shown to be involved in angiogenesis as well. As a result of the MA, two new genomic regions, which have not been previously reported, were found to be associated with the TNB trait. One SNP was located on Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC) 14 in the intron of the FAM13C gene. The second SNP was located on SSC9 within the intron of the AGMO gene. Functional analysis revealed a strong candidate causal gene underlying the QTL on SSC9. The third best hit and the most promising candidate gene for litter size was found within the SOSTDC1 gene, associated with lower male fertility in rats. We showed that litter traits studied across pig populations have only a few genomic regions in common based on candidate gene comparison. PRKD1 could be an interesting candidate gene with a wider association with fertility. The MA identified new genomic regions on SSC9 and SSC14 associated with TNB. Further functional analysis indicated the most promising gene was SOSTDC1, which was confirmed to affect male fertility in other mammals. This is an important finding, as litter traits are by default linked with females rather than males.

Normal Neurodevelopment and Fertility in Juvenile Male Rats Exposed to Polyethylene Glycol Following Dosing With PEGylated rFIX (Nonacog Beta Pegol, N9-GP): Evidence from a 10-Week Repeat-Dose Toxicity Study.

N9-GP/Rebinyn®/Refixia® is an approved PEGylated (polyethylene glycol-conjugated) recombinant human factor IX intended for prophylactic and/or on-demand treatment in adults and children with haemophilia B. A juvenile neurotoxicity study was conducted in male rats to evaluate effects on neurodevelopment, sexual maturation, and fertility following repeat-dosing of N9-GP. Male rats were dosed twice weekly from Day 21 of age with N9-GP or vehicle for 10 weeks, followed by a dosing-free recovery period for 13 weeks and terminated throughout the dosing and recovery periods. Overall, dosing N9-GP to juvenile rats did not result in any functional or pathological effects, as measured by neurobehavioural/neurocognitive tests, including motor activity, sensory function, learning and memory as well as growth, sexual maturation, and fertility. This was further supported by the extensive histopathologic evaluation of brain tissue. Exposure and distribution of polyethylene glycol was investigated in plasma, choroid plexus, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain sections. PEG did not cross the blood brain barrier and PEG exposure did not result in any effects on neurodevelopment. In conclusion, dosing of N9-GP to juvenile rats did not identify any effects on growth, sexual maturation and fertility, clinical and histological pathology, or neurodevelopment related to PEG exposure and supports the prophylactic use of N9-GP in children.

Abelmoschus esculentus Moench L. leaf inhibited lipid peroxidation and deproteination, and caused dose-dependent spermatogenesis and impaired hormonal synchronism in Wistar rats

Several reports have given credence to the acceptance of Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench (okra) leaf or “Ilasa soup” in Igbo-Ora, Oyo State, Nigeria, which has a record as the world's highest twinning rate influences their multiple births. Okra fruit is highly consumed in Nigeria and had been proposed to be responsible for modulating hormones that are responsible for sterility in males as a result of gossypol or a gossypol-like compound that stimulates infertility. However, there was no information available on the effects of the leaf on fertility or sterility in females and males. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of okra leaf extract on some hormones that are linked to fertility in male and female Wistar rats. Ethanol leaf extract of okra plant was prepared and administered to male and female Wistar rats in the following doses-10, 100, 1000, 1600, 2900, and 5000 mg/kg BWT for a period of 28 days. The spectrophotometric determination of serum estrogen and progesterone of female rats, as well as testosterone determination in serum of male rats, was conducted. The effects of the treatment on the histology of the uterine and testicular tissues were examined. Also determined were the extent of the inhibition of lipid peroxidation using, the concentration of MDA generated, and the degeneration of protein mass using an assay of total protein determination. The results showed a dose-dependent effect on the concentrations of serum progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. There was a dose-dependent increase in the concentration of progesterone and a decrease in the concentration of estrogen. The histological architecture of the gonadal tissues did not show impairments in the histology that could suggest toxicity resulting in sterility. Okra leaf extract could cause a reduction in spermatogenesis depending on the dose and affect the synchronism between progesterone and estrogen in adult male and female animals respectively.