MODULATION OF DEXAMETHASONE-INDUCED TESTICULAR DYSFUNCTION BY GARCINIA KOLA SEEDS-DERIVED KOLAVIRON IN RATS

Abstract

Male infertility is an issue linked to oxidative stress and glucocorticoids use. Kolaviron (KV) from Garcinia kola has shown antioxidant potential, but its protection against glucocorticoid-induced testicular toxicity has not been extensively investigated. This study investigated the effects of kolaviron on dexamethasone (DEX)-induced testicular dysfunction in adult Wistar rats. Twenty-four rats (180–220 g) were divided into four groups (n = 6) and treated orally with saline (control), DEX (0.3 mg/kg; intraperitoneally), DEX + 100 mg/kg KV, and DEX + 200 mg/kg KV daily for 28 days. Caudal epididymis semen was obtained for count, motility, morphology evaluations. Serum testosterone levels were measured using ELISA. Testicular tissues glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated alongside histological examination. DEX treatment significantly (p<0.05) reduced sperm count, motility, morphology, and testosterone levels compared to control and KV co-treatment improved these parameters in a dose-dependent manner. KV200 significantly restored sperm count, motility, morphology, and testosterone level. DEX also reduced SOD, CAT, and GPx activities but increased MDA levels, which KV significantly reversed, especially at 200 mg/kg. Histologically, DEX-induced degeneration of seminiferous tubules and Leydig cell reduction, while KV200 preserved normal testicular architecture. The observed dose-dependent protection provided by KV against DEX-induced testicular toxicity via enhancement of sperm quality, testosterone and antioxidant activities and lipid peroxidation extenuation, proposed its therapeutic potential in managing glucocorticoid-related male infertility.