The Protective Role Of Tetrahydrofolate Against Dexamethasone-Induced Reproductive Dysfunction In Male Rabbits: Implications For Male Fertility

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The present investigation was intended to assess the antioxidant potentiality of Tetrahydrofolate on seminal fluid characteristics, hormonal concentrations, lipid peroxidation, and testicular morphology in adult male rabbits subjected to dexamethasone - induced reproductive toxicity. Methods: New Zealand male adult healthy rabbits, of 40 in total were randomly allocated into four groups, each group having 10 rabbits. Group I was the control and they were given normal saline. Reproductive toxicity was induced in Group II animals through oral administration of dexamethasone at the dose of 1 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 30days. Group III was given both dexamethasone at a dose of 1 mg/kg intraperitoneal and Tetrahydrofolate at a dose of 1 mg/kg orally for 30 days. The seminal fluid assays of sperm density, motility, viability, and morphology were conducted as well. The concentrations of serum testosterone, LH and FSH in the animals were determined by the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seminal fluid MDA and TAC were measured as the markers of oxidative stress. Histopathological examination of testicular tissues were done on Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stained sections. Results: Dexamethasone caused a decline in ALH, a reduction in sperm density and motility, a decrease in testosterone, LH and FSH concentrations, and a rise in MDA/TAC ratio, which point toward oxidative stress. Supplementation of Tetrahydrofolate together with dexamethasone ameliorated sperm characteristics, hormonal profile, indexes of lipid peroxidation, and maintained testicular morphology as supported by the reduced histopathological scoring. Conclusion: Tetrahydrofolate prevent dexamethasone induced reproductive toxicity by enhancing the seminal fluid characteristics, hormonal values, attenuate oxidative stress, and maintain testicular morphology in male rabbits. Based on these results, Tetrahydrofolate has the potential to ameliorate reproductive toxicity linked with glucocorticoid treatment