Evaluation of Ogogoro-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Adult Male Wistar rats

Alcohol has been implicated in the aetiology of male infertility. Ogogoro, a locally brewed alcohol, is processed by distilling fermented sap of Raphia palms (Raphia hookeri) or coconut palm (cocus nucifera). The aim of this study was to evaluate Ogogoro induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups (n=5) each. Group I (control) was administered with normal saline 1ml/kg, groups II-IV: Ogogoro 3.5ml/kg, 7ml/kg, and 14ml/kg respectively orally for eight weeks. Following animal sacrifice, blood samples, seminal fluid and testes were used for assay of reproductive hormones, seminal analysis, and testicular histology and oxidative stress biomarkers respectively. Serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) in groups III and IV were significantly (p<0.05) lower compared to the control. A significant decrease (p< 0.05) in sperm motility and increased number of dead spermatozoa in group IV compared to control. Testicular weight and gonadosomatic index were significantly reduced in group IV rats. Testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) level in groups III and IV was significantly (<0.05) higher compared to the control. Testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) activities in groups III and IV were significantly lower compared to the control. Group IV testes showed irregular seminiferous tubules with epithelial sloughing, cellular degeneration and fibrohyalinisation of testicular parenchyma. Ogogoro causes testicular toxicity via oxidative stress induction, direct testicular atrophy and hormonal dysregulation which could adversely impact male reproduction.

Key Words: Ogogoro, Testicular toxicity, Reproduction, Oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation