Author/Authors :
HABIB, N. University of Health Sciences - Avicenna Medical College - Departments of Anatomy, Pakistan , TAHIR, M. University of Health Sciences - Avicenna Medical College - Departments of Anatomy, Pakistan , LONE, K. P University of Health Sciences - Avicenna Medical College - Departments of Physiology, Pakistan , LATIF, W. University of Health Sciences - Avicenna Medical College - Departments of Quality Enhancement Cell, Pakistan
Abstract :
Background and Objective: Phthalates are reputed to cause toxicity on account of lipid peroxidation of cell membrane and generation of reactive oxygen species. The toxicity to spermatogenesis is manifested by decrease in Johnsen scoring, atrophy or disruption of the germinal epithelium of seminiferous tub-ules. The present experiment was designed to investigate toxic effects on serum levels of testosterone and spermatogenesis caused by phthalates and their protection by vitamin E. Methods: Twenty four male albino rats were used, divided into three groups of eight animals each. Group A was given 0.4 ml of corn oil daily for 15 days. Group B was given 0.15 ml of Dioctyl phthalate (DOP) dissolved in 0.4 ml of corn oil daily for 15 days. Group C was given 0.15 ml Dioctyl phthalate and 10 mg of vitamin E, each dissolved in 0.4 ml of corn oil respectively, daily for 15 days. The mode of adm-inistration was oral gavage. Results: On histological examination the testes of animals of group B showed statistically significant decrease in Johnsen score (p-value 0.001) with disruption of germinal epithelium and absence of mat-ure sperms. These findings were associated with reduced levels of serum testosterone in this group. Co-administration of vitamin E and DOP to group C showed statistically improved Johnson score and tes-tosterone levels as compared to group B. Conclusion: Phthalate induced testicular toxicity and effect on testosterone level were prevented by co-administration of vitamin E and DOP.
