Ameliorative effects of African walnut on nicotine-induced reproductive toxicity in rat model

Abstract

Objective: Walnuts are widely consumed nut by men in Nigeria and it has been connected to improving male reproductive health. This study evaluated the effect of African walnut on sperm parameters and testicular architecture of nicotine (NIC)-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats.

Methods: Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups, that is, GN₀ (1 ml/day normal saline and normal rat chow), GN₁ (1 ml/day NIC and normal rat chow), and GN₁W₆ and GN₁W₁₂ (1 ml/day of NIC daily fed with 6% and 12% walnut-rich feed), respectively. This continued for 28 days. The animals were euthanized and their sperm was collected and its parameters were analyzed. The testis was harvested and prepared for histological examination.

Results: NIC significantly reduced sperm motility (P = 0.0006) and sperm count (P = 0.0001), induced mild apoptosis of Leydig cells and caused moderate spermatogenic arrest in GN₁. However, walnut-supplemented diet significantly increased the NIC-induced reduction in sperm motility (P = 0.04) and sperm count (P = 0.0001) and its consumption was effective in attenuating testicular damage caused by NIC administration in GN₁W₆ and GN₁W₁₂.

Conclusion: African walnut could exert therapeutic effect in the reduction of the adverse effect of NIC on the sperm motility, sperm count, and testicular architecture. It is worthwhile to consider it as a useful and affordable supplement to be added to the diet of males with infertility problems.

Keywords: Juglans; nicotine; oxidative stress; testis; tobacco.

Figure 1

Weight over time chart for GN₀, GN₁, GN₁W₆, and GN₁W₁₂ respectively

Figure 2

Photomicrograph of sections of testis for GN₀, GN₁, GN₁W₆, and GN₁W₁₂ respectively WES: Well-enhanced spermatogenesis, SC: Sertoli cells, MSA: Moderate spermatogenic arrest, MAICL: Mild apoptosis of interstitial cells of Leydig