Abstract:
In this study, it was aimed to investigate the likelihood of detrimental effects
of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) on male reproductive system through oxidative
stress mechanism and also protective effects of cinnamon bark oil (CBO). For
this purpose, 28 healthy male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, seven
rats in each. Group 1 received only olive oil daily; group 2 was treated with
100 mg kg
1 CBO daily; group 3 was treated with only 0.25 ml kg
1 CCl4
weekly; and group 4 received weekly CCl4 + daily CBO. All administrations
were made by intragastric catheter and maintained for 10 weeks. Body and
reproductive organ weights, sperm characteristics, testicular oxidative stress
markers and testicular apoptosis were examined. CCl4 administration caused
significant decreases in body and reproductive organ weights, testicular catalase
(CAT) activity, sperm motility and concentration, and significant increases in
lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, abnormal sperm rate and apoptotic index along
with some histopathological damages compared with the control group. However,
significant improvements were observed in absolute weights of testis and
epididymis, all sperm quality parameters, LPO level, apoptotic index and testicular
histopathological structure following the administration of CCl4 together
with CBO when compared to group given CCl4 only. The findings of this
study clearly suggest that CBO has protective effect against damages in male
reproductive organs and cells induced by CCl4.
