Background and purpose: Smoking has a hugely detrimental impact on one's health everywhere. Infertility is a major health issues, and smoking has been related to lower fertility. This study evaluates potential role of melatonin and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) to protect male rats from testicular toxicity of nicotine.
Materials and methods: An LD50 value was assessed. Nicotine (1 mg/kg) to cause testicular toxicity. Measurements are serum testosterone, FSH, LH and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). All groups underwent sperm count and histopathology.
Results: Nicotine's LD50 was estimated. TAC, testosterone, LH, sperm count, and proportion of seminiferous tubules with mature spermatogenesis all significantly decreased after nicotine administration and no significant alteration in FSH. Significant increases in TAC, sperm count, and proportion of tubules containing mature sperms after giving melatonin (5 and 10 mg/kg), while insignificant changes in FSH and LH. N-acetyl-L-cysteine produce significant rise in TAC and sperm count (100 and 200 mg/kg), testosterone (high dose) and insignificant change in FSH, LH and percentage of seminiferous tubules. Their combinations produced significant increase in TAC, testosterone level, sperm count and percentage of tubules containing mature sperms and insignificant change in FSH and LH (low and high doses). The withdrawal group exhibited a significant rise in TAC, testosterone, sperm count, and seminiferous tubule percentage. Minimal shift in LH and FSH levels.
In conclusion: These findings implied that melatonin, NAC and their combination might combat the intoxication caused by nicotine and can effectively prevent testis toxicity complications. In addition, smoking cessation could beneficially recover testicular dysfunction.