Background: Exposure to ethanol results in many pathophysiologic changes in the
function of the reproductive system caused by the alcohol itself and the effects of its
metabolism in recurrent use. Ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize
harmful compounds and potentiate the antioxidant capacity. Aim: this study was aimed to
evaluate the protective effects of ascorbic acid against testicular changes caused by ethanol
in adult male albino rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male rats were randomly
distributed into four groups treated for 63 consecutive days, control group: was treated with
distilled water only orally by gastric tube. Ascorbic acid group: was treated with ascorbic
acid (100 mg/day/rat) dissolved in distilled water (dilution 50%), once daily orally by
gastric tube. Ethanol group: was treated with ethanol (0.7g/kg) dissolved in distilled water
(dilution 50% ), once daily orally by gastric tube. Ethanol and ascorbic acid group: was
treated with ethanol and ascorbic acid in the same previous doses orally by gastric tube. At
the end of the study, rats were weighed then blood samples were obtained from each group
to estimate the level of testosterone. Then the rats were sacrificed. The testes were dissected
and weighed then used for evaluation of oxidative parameters (GSH and MDA),
histopathological examination of testes by light and electron microscope. Results:
Concomitant administration of ascorbic acid with ethanol resulted in a highly significant
rise in body weight, with increase in mean testosterone level but this rise was insignificant,
there was a highly significant decrease in MDA level and there was a highly significant
increase in GSH level. Regarding histopathological results in the group of ascorbic acid
with ethanol showed improvement in all histopathological changes induced by ethanol. As
regard ultrastructure changes, microscopic examination in ethanol group revealed
thickening of basement membrane, mitochondrial changes, degenerated spermatid with
distorted acrosomal cap, with decrease in the sperm count results which were improved in
the group of ascorbic acid with ethanol. Conclusion: oral administration of ethanol daily
(50% dilution) for 63 consecutive days in adult albino rats caused various testicular lesions
which were significantly reduced with combined administration of ascorbic acid as an
antioxidant. |
