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. 2013 Oct;6(4):267-72.
doi: 10.4103/0974-1208.126308.

Reproductive parameters and oxidative stress status of male rats fed with low and high salt diet

Bolanle O Iranloye  1 , Gabriel O Oludare  1 , Ayodele O Morakinyo  1 , Naomi A Esume  1 , Lucy C Ekeh  1
Affiliations

Reproductive parameters and oxidative stress status of male rats fed with low and high salt diet

Bolanle O Iranloye et al. J Hum Reprod Sci. 2013 Oct.

Abstract

Background: Deficiency of minerals and micronutrients has been reported to impair the process of spermatogenesis. Historically, salt has been used by women on their husbands to increase their libido, however, the role of salt diet on sperm parameters are yet to be ascertained.

Aim: The present study was designed to determine the effect of low and high salt diet on sperm parameters, oxidative status and reproductive hormone levels of male rats.

Materials and methods: A total of 18 rats were divided into three groups: Group I: (control) received 0.3% salt diet, Group II: low salt (received 0.14% salt diet) and Group III: high salt (received 8% salt diet). All animals were treated for 6 weeks; after which epididymal sperm parameters; oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase) in the testes and epididymal tissues, as well as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels were determined.

Results: The results showed decreased sperm count in the low salt diet rats while increased sperm count was observed in the high salt diet treated rats. Both low salt and high salt diet fed rats exhibited increased abnormal sperm cells and increased epididymal oxidative stress when compared with their respective control. FSH and testosterone levels were increased in the high salt fed rats while LH level was decreased when compared with the control values.

Conclusion: This study suggests that both low and high salt diet play a negative role in the fertility of male rats.

Keywords: Oxidative stress; salt; sperm count; sperm morphology; testosterone.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Effect of low salt and high salt diet on malondialdehyde level in the testes and epididymis of rats. Values represent mean ± standard error of mean (n=6), P<0.05 compared with control group
Figure 2
Figure 2
Effect of low salt and high salt diet on superoxide dismutase activity in the testes and epididymis of rats. Values represent mean ± standard error of mean (n=6), *P<0.05 compared with control group
Figure 3
Figure 3
Effect of low salt and high salt diet on glutathione activity in the testes and epididymis of rats. Values represent mean ± standard error of mean (n=6), *P<0.05 compared with control group
Figure 4
Figure 4
Effect of low salt and high salt diet on catalase activity in the testes and epididymis of rats. Values represent mean ± standard error of mean (n=6), *P<0.05 compared with control group
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