Vernonia Amygdalina restores prednisolone-induced damage to hypothalamic pituitary testicular axis in male wistar rats

Abstract

Glucocorticoids, such as prednisolone (PRED), exert inhibitory effects on immune cells. PRED is a commonly administered glucocorticoid that efficiently manages acute inflammatory disease and autoimmune disorders. In immunosuppressive states, infertility is impaired by interference with the control and secretion of reproductive hormones from the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Vernonia amygdalina (VA), a widely consumed vegetable in Africa, has anti-oxidative, anti-malarial, and sperm-improvement properties. The study aims to evaluate the impact of Vernonia amygdalina on reproductive parameters in immunosuppressed Wistar rats. Adult male Wistar rats (160–180 g) were grouped into six randomly (each group had five rats), totalling thirty in number. Control was Group A, which had distilled water administered; Group B was administered 2 mg/kg PRED for 28days; and other groups, C, were administered 2 mg/kg PRED for 28days, then treatment was withdrawn for 28days; Group D received 2 mg/kg PRED for 28days, then 50 mg/kg levamisole for 56days and E and F were treated with 2 mg/kg PRED for 28days, then 250 mg/kg and 375 mg/kg of bitter leaf respectively for 56days. All animals were euthanized 24 h after the last dosing by administration of ketamine (80 mg/kg). The study's main findings reveal the promising potential of Vernonia amygdalina to restore reproductive health in immunosuppressed rats. An increase in WBC and haemoglobin, with associated alterations in the antioxidant system, was observed in animals given prednisolone only. Sperm motility, count and morphology significantly decreased in the immunosuppressed group compared to the controls. Low-dose bitterleaf increased normal sperm count, morphology and motility compared to controls. Similarly, increased IBA-1-positive cells in the hypothalamus indicated increased oxidative damage. Vernonia amygdalina administration effectively restored sperm parameters and oxidative damage induced by prednisolone in the hypothalamic pituitary testicular axis. These findings open up new possibilities for future research and potential clinical applications, instilling a sense of hope and optimism in the audience.