Title: 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. Sperm parameters (Mean ± SD) of the positive control, negative control, 6% Walnut and 12% Walnut respectively. 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.

Biography

David C.IkwukaPh.D is a leading researcher in Biomedicine known for his leadership skills and research potential. He is currently a Faculty member in the Department of Physiology, NnamdiAzikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria where he teaches and mentors research of medical and paramedical students in Physiology, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Physiology at the Department of Physiology, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Nigeria. His research interest includes Reproductive Physiology, Blood Physiology, Immunology and Environmental Physiology. He has authored several publications, invited and peer-reviewed several manuscripts for high impacted Journals and seats as editorial board member for a few Journals.

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