| Abstrakt: |
Lead reproductive toxicity has been reported in men. Nigella sativa seed and its active component, thymoquinone have been used in traditional pharmacopeia as natural remedy to promote reproductive health. This study investigated the ameliorative potential of Thymoquinone (TQ) on male reproductive functions in lead acetate (PbA)-induced reproductive toxicity in Wistar rats. Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 100-120 g were randomly divided into six groups (n=5); Control (distilled water, 0.2 ml/day), PbA, PbA+5 mg/kg TQ, PbA+3.75 mg/kg TQ, PbA+2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg TQ. TQ was given orally at varying doses daily for 8 weeks while PbA (15 mg/Kg) was administered intraperitoneally once per week for 8 weeks. Hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular hormones, sperm analysis, and histological studies of the testis and epididymis were conducted and data were analyzed. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in GnRH, FSH, LH, and testosterone in PbA, PbA+3.75 mg/kg TQ, and PbA+2.5 mg/kg TQ when compared with the control group. However, GnRH, FSH, LH, and testosterone significantly increased (p<0.05) in PbA+5 mg/kg TQ and PbA+3.75 mg/kg TQ when compared with PbA treated group. Sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology showed significant decrease in PbA treated group when compared with the control, while these were significantly ameliorated following TQ administration. Cytoarchitectural distortions observed in the testis and epididymis in PbA-treated groups were equally improved with TQ administration. Lead acetate induces reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats via a reduction in hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular hormones, sperm parameters as well as distortion of both testicular and epididymal cytoarchitectures. However, Thymoquinone ameliorated these anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
