Chronic 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 (i.e, generation of oxidative metabolites). Vitamin C is apowerful antioxidant that can neutralize harmful compounds and potentiate the antioxidant capacity of the cell. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effect of chronic ethanol exposure on the testes and to evaluate whether vitamin C could prevent or attenuate the alterations in the male reproductive system caused by ethanol consumptione. To test this hypothesis, male rats were divided into four experimental groups treated for 63 consecutive days, control group was treated with distilled water only,Vitamin C group was treated with vitamin C (100 mg/day/animal) dissolved in distilled water (1:1), once daily, ethanol group was treated with ethanol (0.7g/kg) dissolved in distilled water (1:1), once daily, (ethanol&Vit.C) group was treated with ethanol and vitamin C in the same previous dose. At the end of the period of the study, blood samples were obtained from rats of each group to estimate the levels of testosterone. Then the rats were sacrificed. The testes were dissected for evaluation of oxidative parameters(GSH and MDA), histopathological examination by light and electronmicroscope. The result showed that vitamin C has a protective effect against ethanol toxic effect as it partially normalize body weight reduction, restore alteration occurred in testosterone level, oxidative stress parameters, and improve most of histopathological and histological changes. |
