Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by rapid deterioration of renal functions causing many distant organ injuries. Testicular dysfunction was reported upon chronic renal failure, yet little is known about the underlying mechanism of the damaging effect of AKI on testicular structure and function. Sesame oil was proved to have antioxidant effects.
Aim of the Work: To assess the effects of AKI on the rat testis and the possible protective role of sesame oil.
Material and Methods: Twenty-four adult male albino rats were allocated into 4 groups; control, sesame oil-treated (0.5ml/kg orally for 1week), AKI-induced (10mL/kg of 50% glycerol), and AKI-pretreated with sesame oil. Serum testosterone was assayed. Sperms were analyzed. Biochemical assay of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were performed. Testes specimens were processed for histological staining and immunohistochemical detection of Bcl2, Ki67, and Androgen receptor (AR).
Results: AKI group showed a significant decline in serum testosterone, tissue GSH, and SOD with a significant rise in tissue MDA. Sperms revealed a significant rise in abnormal sperm morphology percentage with a significant decline in sperm count. Histological examination depicted various nuclear and cytoplasmic alterations in the testicular histoarchitecture with a significant rise in the collagen fiber deposition. A significant decline in Bcl2, Ki67, and AR immunohistochemical expression were recorded. Sesame oil pretreatment significantly ameliorated all studied parameters.
Conclusions: AKI significantly impacted the testicular structure and function through different mechanisms. Sesame oil efficiently ameliorated this adverse effect through its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic activities.