The Effects of Alkaloids Fraction of Cyperus esculentus on Some Biochemical Parameters and Histopathology of the Testis of Lead-Induced Toxicity
Godson Emeka Anyanwu
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Luqman Adepoju Hassan
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Ifeanacho Ezeteonu Abireh *
Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Nto Johnson Nto
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study evaluated the protective effect of alkaloids fraction of Cyperus esculentus on lead-induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rat.
Methodology: Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five (5) groups, (n=5). Group 1 was administered with 1ml normal saline only, group 2 was administered with 30 mg/kg of lead, group 3 was administered with 50mg/kg of alkaloids and 30 mg/kg of lead, group 4 was administered with 100 mg/kg of alkaloids and 30 mg/kg of lead, group 5 was administered 150mg/kg of alkaloids and 30 mg/kg of lead orally for 28 days. The testes of the rats were harvested on day 29 of the experiment and histological studies done using the H&E and Verhoeff-Van Gieson (VVG) stains. Sperm parameters, sex hormones and antioxidant of testicular homogenates were analysed.
Results: Histological examination of the testes revealed increased spermatogenic cells and Leydig cell proliferation in the rats in groups 3, 4, and 5 administered with 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 150 mg/kg of Alkaloids, and 30 mg/kg of lead, respectively, when compared with group 2 administered with 30 mg/kg of lead alone. Also there was significant increase in levels of serum testosterone (p < .05) in groups 3, 4, and 5 when compared with group 2. There was increase in levels of follicle stimulating hormone in groups 4, and 5 when compared with group 2. However, significant decreased in luteinizing hormone was observed in groups 3, 4 and 5. Group 2, treated with 30 mg/kg of lead only showed increased malondialdehyde levels when compared with group 1 that received 1ml normal saline. Group 3, 4, and 5, treated with 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 150 mg/kg of alkaloid plus 30 mg/kg lead, respectively, showed significant growth of seminiferous epithelium, improved sperm quality, and decreased levels of malondialdehyde (p < .05).
Conclusion: This study shows that alkaloids fraction of Cyperus esculentus may have a protective effect on the testis of Wistar rat when it is exposed to toxicity from lead.
Keywords: Alkaloids, Cyperus esculentus, lead, testis, spermatogenesis, leydig cell