The Protective Effect of Sea Lettuce (Ulva Lactuca) Extract, on Fertility in Adult Male Rats Exposed to Polyvinyl Chloride

Document Type : Original research articles

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Department of Nutrition &Food Science, Faculty of Home Economics, Al-Azhar University

Abstract

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polymerized form of vinyl chloride that is extensively used in the plastics industry, has toxic effects through the induction of oxidative stress in the body and testicles. This study evaluated the effect of  Sea Lettuce ethanolic extract, vitamin C, and zinc against testicular toxicity induced by PVC in male rats. Thirty male albino rats were divided into five groups of six rats. Group I (negative control group): received distilled water only. Group II (positive control group: were given PVC (1000 mg/kg b.w.). Group III, rats were given 100mg/kg Sea Lettuce extract. Group IV: were given 100 mg/kg of Vit C +and5 mg/kg of zinc. Group V: were given 50 mg/kg of  Sea Lettuce extract + 50 mg/kg of Vit C + 2.5mg/kg of zinc. The doses were administered orally daily for 40 consecutive days. At the end of the experimental period, rats were sacrificed, and the weights of rats, feed intake, feed efficiency ratio, and  testes  weight percentage were recorded. Sperm characteristics count, serum sex hormone levels (testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone, (Lh)and oxidative enzyme including (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione )  were estimated. Malondialdehyde was assessed in testicular tissue. The tumor necrosis factor
α
, interleukin-1
β
, and interleukin-6 concentrations were analyzed. A histopathological examination was done on the testes. Results showed that treatments improved sperm parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, and sex hormone levels. Therefore, the administration of  (Sea lettuce extract, vit. C and zinc) is beneficial for improving male sexual performance.

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