dc.description.abstract |
Refined sugar, a major product from Saccharum officinarum, contains mainly sucrose and
possesses anti-androgenic effects. Saccharum officinarum Molasses (SOM), a sweet by product obtained during sugar production, is rich in phenolic compounds, minerals and
organic acids. The use of SOM as substitute sweetener is increasing because of its
nutritional advantage over refined sugar. However, there is paucity of information on its
effects on reproductive functions. This study was designed to investigate reproductive
functions of SOM-treated male Wistar rats.
Saccharum officinarum was obtained from Karu, Nasarawa State and authenticated at the
Department of Botany herbarium, University of Ibadan (UIH No.: 22613). Saccharum
officinarum juice (SOJ) was obtained using standard procedure. The SOJ was subjected to
three cycles of heating and cooling to obtain SOM. The SOM was fractionated with
methanol and water and the constituents of fractions (SOMMF and SOMAqF) were
identified using GC-MS. Twenty male rats (100-120 g) were grouped into four (n=5) and
they received distilled water (1.0 mL/kg/day, Control), SOJ (1.0, 3.2, 10.0 mL/kg/day)
orally for 8 weeks, respectively. Another thirty-five male rats (160-180 g) were grouped
into seven (n=5) and they received distilled water (1.0 mL/kg/day, Control), SOMMF (1.0,
3.2, 10.0 mL/kg/day) and SOMAqF (0.6, 2.0, 6.4 g/kg/day) orally for 8 weeks,
respectively. Testicular and epididymal malondialdehyde were assayed
spectrophotometrically. Sperm profile, histology of testes and epididymides were assessed
microscopically. Also, testicular cells from twelve rats were isolated, cultured and
incubated with SOMMF, SOMAqF, components of SOMMF (Lupeol) and SOMAqF
(Diethyl Phthalate). Cell livability, proliferation and testosterone in cultured cells were
quantified using ELISA. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at α0.05.
The SOMMF (methanol) yielded 72.8% and SOMAqF (aqueous) 27.2%. Major
constituents from SOMMF and SOMAqF were lupeol (87.2%) and diethyl phthalate
(47.4%), respectively. The SOJ (10.0 mL/kg/day) significantly increased serum
testosterone, sperm concentration and abnormal spermatozoa compared to control. The
SOJ (10.0 mL/kg/day) significantly decreased sperm livability (38.5±4.5%) compared to
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control (69.7±4.7%). The testicular malondialdehyde 2.4±0.2, 2.6±0.1 U/mg protein of
SOMMF (1.0, 3.2 mL/kg/day) and 2.6±0.4 U/mg protein of SOMAqF (6.4 g/kg/day)
significantly increased compared to control (1.6±0.2 U/mg protein). The SOMMF (1.0
mL/kg/day) significantly increased epididymal malondialdehyde (43.0±5.2 U/mg protein)
relative to control (15.7±6.9 U/mg protein). Similarly, SOMMF (3.2, 10.0 mL/kg/day)
significantly decreased sperm livability (79.2±2.4, 71.3±5.0%) compared to control
(91.7±2.0%). The SOMAqF (2.0, 6.4 g/kg/day) significantly reduced sperm livability
(78.8±2.1, 74.2±3.0%) compared to control (91.7±2.0%). Also, SOMAqF (2.0, 6.4
g/kg/day) significantly increased abnormal spermatozoa (13.1±1.3, 14.2±1.5%) compared
to control (9.0±0.7%). Seminiferous tubules and epididymal ducts of SOMAqF-treated rats
showed architectural distortion. Testicular cell proliferation significantly increased in
SOMMF (2.9±0.3) compared to control (1.9±0.2). Cell livability significantly decreased in
Lupeol (1.1±0.2 million/mL) and diethyl phthalate (1.1±0.1 million/mL) compared to
control (1.9±0.2 million/mL). In vitro testosterone biosynthesis significantly reduced in
diethyl phthalate (0.8±0.1 ng/mL) compared to control (1.2±0.0 ng/mL).
Saccharum officinarum molasses caused lipid peroxidation and reduced sperm quality.
These actions were linked to its constituents; lupeol and diethyl phthalate. Hence,
Saccharum officinarum molasses could adversely affect reproductive functions in male
Wistar rats. |
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