Abstract: |
This study explored the eect of vitamin C (Vit-C) administration on
the reproductive function of adult male Wistar rats injected with boldenone undecylenate (BOL).
Methods: Rats were randomly assigned into control, vehicle control, Vit-C (120 mg/kg b.wt./day,
orally), BOL (received 5 mg/kg b.wt./week, IM) and BOL+Vit-C-treated groups. After eight weeks,
hormonal assay, semen evaluation, testicular enzymes, and antioxidants biomarkers were assessed.
Besides, the histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations of the androgen receptor (AR)
expression were performed. Results: The results revealed that serum testosterone, acid phosphatase,
sorbitol dehydrogenase, sperm abnormalities, and testicular malondialdehyde were significantly
incremented in the BOL-treated group. Testicular weight, sperm count, and sperm motility together
with serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol, and testicular
testosterone, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione showed a significant decrease
following BOL treatment. Besides, the AR immunoreactivity was significantly decreased in testicular
tissues. Vit-C co-administration with BOL significantly relieved the BOL-induced sperm abnormalities,
reduced sperm motility, testicular enzyme leakage, and oxidative damage. However, Vit-C could
rescue neither BOL-induced hormonal disturbances norARdown-regulation. Conclusions: The results
provide further insight into the mechanisms of BOL-induced reproductive dysfunction and its partial
recovery by Vit-C.
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