Cucumeropsis mannii seed oil (CMSO) attenuates alterations in testicular biochemistry and histology against Bisphenol a-induced toxicity in male Wister albino rats
Peter Chinedu Agu, Patrick Maduabuchi Aja, Ezebuilo Ekpono Ugbala, Hilary Akobi Ogwoni, Ernest Mbamalu Ezeh, P.C. Oscar-Amobi, Agbor Asuk Atamgba, Onyedika Gabriel Ani, J.N. Awoke, Felix Emmanuel Nwite, Oliver Ugochukwu Ukachi, O.U. Orji, P. C. Nweke, Ejike Ekpono Ugbala, G. O. Ewa, I. O. Igwenyi, Chinedu Ogbonnia Egwu, Esther Ugo Alum, Darlington C. Chukwu, Ademola C. Famurewa
Abstract
Background: seed is a common soup thickener that produces vegetable oil as well as essential nutrients making it a source of nutraceuticals enlisted with a wide range of therapeutic effects. Methods: A total of 48 adult male Wistar rats (120 ± 200g) were used in this study. They were completely randomized and divided into six groups: A (1ml olive oil) irrespective of the weight, B [BPA 100 mg/kg body weight (bw)], C (CMSO 7.5 ml/kg bw), D (CMSO 7.5 ml/kg bw + BPA 100 mg/kg bw), E (CMSO 5.0 ml/kg bw + BPA 100 mg/kg bw), and E (CMSO 2.5 ml/kg bw + BPA 100 mg/kg bw). At the end of the administration via oral routes, rats were sacrificed and testes were collected for biochemistry and histological analysis. Results: BPA significantly (P < 0.05) decreased total testicular protein, epididymal sperm parameters (count, volume, and motility), Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP), body weight, testicular volume; and significantly (P < 0.05) increased testicular enzymes (alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase), testicular index; plus histological damages. Interestingly, co-administration of BPA and CMSO significantly (P < 0.05) reversed the biochemical and histological changes. Conclusions: CMSO prevented the biochemistry and histological alterations hence reducing the testicular toxicity. Therefore, CMSO has the potential to be a promising novel nutraceutical for the treatment and management of BPA-induced testicular toxicity.