Abstract:
Objectives: Lead primarily affects male reproductive
functions via hormonal imbalance and morphological
damage to the testicular tissue with significant alteration in
sperm profile and oxidative markers. Though, different
studies have reported that Cocos nucifera L. oil has a wide
range of biological effects, this study aimed at investigating the effect of Cocos nucifera L. oil on lead acetateinduced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats.
Methods: Twenty (20) sexually matured male Wistar rats
(55–65 days) were randomly distributed into four groups
(n=5). Group I (negative control)—distilled water orally
for 56 days, Group II (positive control)—5 mg/kg bwt lead acetate intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 14 days, Group III—
6.7 mL/kg bwt Cocos nucifera L. oil orally for 56 days and
Group IV—lead acetate intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 14 days
and Cocos nucifera L. oil for orally for 56 days. Rats were
sacrificed by diethyl ether, after which the serum, testis and
epididymis were collected and used for semen analysis,
biochemical and histological analysis.
Results: The lead acetate significantly increases (p<0.05)
testicular and epididymal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels,
while a significant reduction (p<0.05) in sperm parameters,
organ weight, testosterone and luteinizing hormone was
observed when compared with the negative control. The
coadministration of Cocos nucifera oil with lead acetate
significantly increases (p<0.05) testosterone, luteinizing
hormone, sperm parameters and organ weight, with a
significant decrease (p<0.05) in MDA levels compared with
positive control. Histological analysis showed that lead
acetate distorts testicular cytoarchitecture and germ cell
integrity while this was normalized in the cotreated group.
Conclusions: Cocos nucifera oil attenuates the deleterious
effects of lead acetate in male Wistar rats, which could be
attributed to its polyphenol content and antioxidant
properties.
