Abstract

CO-ADMINISTRATION OF CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE AND ETHANOLIC SEED EXTRACT OF TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALIS (PUMPKIN) PROTECTS TESTICULAR FUNCTIONS IN ADULT MALE ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Uzozie Chikere Ofoego*, Elizabeth Obioma Nweke and Orji Chioma Bernadine

Abstract

Cyclophosphamide is used to treat auto-immune and neoplastic diseases. However its use is often limited by a wide range of adverse effects. This research was aimed at determining the effect of coadministration of ethanolic seed extract of Telfaira occidentalis (ESETO) and Cyclophosphamide on the testes of adult male wistar rats. Twenty adult male wistar rats weighing between 110-230g were divided into 5 groups (A-E) of 4 rats each. Group A (control) received distilled water and feed ad libitum only. Group B received 30mg/kg of Cyclophosphamide. Rats in groups C and D received 30mg/kg of cyclophosphamide each and co-administered with 1000mg/kg and 100mg/kg of ESETO respectively, while group E received 1000mg/kg of ESETO. Both substrates were administered orally once a day for 28days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, the rats were weighed, anaesthetized, blood samples collected and testes together with the epididymis excised and weighed. Sera samples separated afterwards were assayed for testosterone and Follicle Stimulate hormones (FSH) levels. Epididymal sperm investigations were carried out, and the testes processed for histopathological examinations. Results showed that Cyclophosphamide administration caused losses in both body and testicular weights, reductions in serum levels of testosterone and FSH, as well as degeneration of testicular architecture, loss of sperm bundles and arrest of spermatogenesis. However, co-administration with graded doses of ESETO caused dose dependent ameliorative effects with improved testicular parameters. Ethanolic seed extract of Telfaira occidentalis thus exhibited protective and antioxidant activities against cyclophosphamide induced testicular damage in adult male albino wistar rats.

Keywords: Testis, Cyclophosphamide, Telfaira occidentalis, testosterone, Follicle Stimulating hormone.