Abstract

THE EFFECT OF LONG TERM CONSUMPTION OF THERMOXIDISED PALM OIL DIET ON SOME REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS IN MALE WISTAR RATS

Ekpe O. Aribo*, Elemi J. Ani, Eme E. Osim and Daniel U. Owu

Abstract

The effects of long term ingestion of thermoxidised palm oil diet on some reproductive parameters in male wistar rats were studied. Most palm oil is consumed in the thermoxidised form which has been associated with toxicity and impairment of function of several body tissues. Male wistar rats weighing 80 – 125 g and aged 19-23 weeks were divided into a control group and a thermoxidised palm oil dietfed group of five rats each. Thermoxidised palm oil diet was prepared by mixing thermoxidised palm oil (TPO) and animal feeds in a ratio 15g:85g for TPO and animal feeds respectively. Control group was fed on normal rat feeds while the other group was fed on TPO diet. Animals were fed daily for 13 weeks after which they were euthanized, epididymal semen and blood samples collected for determination of various reproductive parameters. The results showed significant decreases in sperm count (p

Keywords: Thermoxidised palm oil, Seminal fluid parameters, Testosterone, FSH, LH.