The Pituitary Testicular Axis Tolerates Carbamazepine-Gabapentin Adjuvant than Alone Treatment in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Some antiepileptic drugs have been implicated in altering sperm indices and causing sexual dysfunction in males. This study investigated the effects of carbamazepine (CBZ)+garbapentin (GBP) adjuvant treatment on male reproductive functions. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were selected randomly into four (4) groups of five (5) animals each (n=5). Groups1, 2, 3, and 4 were given; normal saline (0.2 mL), CBZ (25 mg/kg), GBP (50 mg/kg), and 12.5 mg/kg, and 25 mg/kg doses of CBZ and GBP, respectively. The administration was done orally and daily for 56 days. Serum reproductive hormones, oxidative stress markers, and sperm analysis were determined. Histological analysis of the epididymis and testis were done using H and E Results: A significant reduction in the level of follicle-stimulating hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, and testosterone were observed in CBZ and GBP-treated groups. Asignificant increase in lipid peroxidation activities measured by MDA was noticed only in the CBZ-treated group. The level of GSH and catalase increased significantly in the GBP-treated group, while CBZ+GBP treatment increased the level of SOD. The quality and the number of sperm characteristics significantly reduced among the treated animals; this is reflected in the architecture of the testes and epididymis with severe cytoarchitectural distortion, particularly in CBZ treated group, while mild distortion was observed in CBZ+GBP treated group. Conclusion: Adjuvant treatment of CBZ and GBP produces reduced adverse reproductive effects compared with alone treatment.