ABSTRACT
The study was to evaluate the testicular and epidydimal effects of Smart Herbal Purifier® (SHP) - a poly herbal supplement with a composition of Cassia alata 30 %, Morinda Lucida 30 %, and Nuclea Blend 40 % , in a 90 day repeated dose toxicity test in male Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats. The study was with control,48,240 and 480 mg/kg SHP treated rats. Sperm motility, debris generation, abnormal sperm morphology, sperm viability, testosterone, Follicular stimulating Hormone (FSH), luteinizing Hormone (LH), Prolactin, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a measure of oxidative stress in the testes were analyzed. Histology of the testes was also examined. There was no significant difference in both Testicular Sperm Number (TSN), Epididymal sperm Number (ESN), the abnormal sperm morphology of both the control and SHP treated groups. A significant increase was observed in the debris generated in the testes and epididymis when control was compared to SHP treated groups. There was also a significant decrease in viability and motility in the testes and epididymis when control was compared to SHP treated group. Testosterone, FSH, LH and Prolactin were not significantly different when control was compared to SHP treated group. MDA was significantly increased when control was compared to the treated groups. Histology of the testes of the treated group showed necrosis of the seminiferous tubules. SHP may have toxicological concerns in the male reproductive system.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to assess the possible mechanisms for the toxic impact of marijuana smoke on the level of male reproductive hormones and their related genes expression. Male albino rats were enrolled in this study and divided into: (I) control group; (II) and (III) Marijuana smoke exposed groups in which the animals were exposed to marijuana smoke daily for two and four weeks respectively. Serum free testosterone, FSH and LH were assayed. Brain follicle stimulating hormone gene (FSH-B) and luteinizing hormone gene (LH-B) as well as testicular cytochrome P19 (CYP19) genes expression were evaluated. Histological examination of brain and testis tissues was done. Marijuana smoke produced significant reduction in serum reproductive hormones levels. Similarly, it caused significant down-regulation in the expression of reproductive hormones related genes. Histological investigation of brain tissue of marijuana smoke exposed rats revealed marked deterioration in medulla oblogata and cerebellum. While, histological examination of their testis tissues showed no histopathological changes.The present findings suggest that marijuana smoke adversely affects male reproductive function due to its ability to suppress gonadotropin output from pituitary in addition to its impact on the structure and/or function of DNA nucleotide sequences of reproductive hormones related genes. Marijuana smoke could impair fertility in male rats through alteration in circulating levels of reproductive hormones and down-regulation of the expression level of reproductive hormones related genes.