Background: The effect of vigorous exercise on testicular function is poorly understood. This work aims to identify the resveratrol influence on the altered reproductive function induced by forced exercise and to screen the relevant possible mechanisms. Material and Methods: The study comprised control, forced exercise (FE), and resveratrol treatment groups carried out on a total of 24 adult male rats. After 8 weeks of the exercise, the pituitary testicular hormones, corticosterone, tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), IL-6, epididymal sperm parameters, testicular oxidant–antioxidant system, testicular ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, polyamines, testicular histopathology, and immunohistochemistry for apoptotic reactions were all measured. Results: The FE group showed significant reductions in the pituitary testicular hormones, sperm count, and motility, while corticosterone, TNFα, IL-6 serum levels, and aberrant forms were significantly increased. Testicular tissue displayed abnormal architecture, apoptotic changes with a significantly increased malondialdehyde level, ODC activity and polyamines, and a reduction in superoxide dismutase activity. In comparison to the FE group, administration of resveratrol significantly improved the gonadal hormones, corticosterone, TNFα, IL-6 levels, sperm parameters, oxidant–antioxidant system, ODC activity, and polyamines with an enhancement of testicular architecture and apoptosis. Conclusion: Resveratrol was effective in attenuating testicular dysfunction caused by forced swimming exercise in rats.
Keywords: resveratrol, testicular dysfunction, forced exercise.