Gallic acid enhanced reproductive function by modulating oxidative stress mediators in gentamicin-treated rats

Abstract

Gentamicin (GEN), commonly used to treat gram-negative bacterial infections, can cause testicular damage, maybe by increasing oxidative stress. Gallic acid (GA) a polyphenolic acid, has antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-allergic activities. The study aimed to investigate the effects of GA on GEN-induced testicular toxicity. Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: Control, which received only normal saline, and GEN, which received 100 mg/kg/day of GEN intra-peritoneally for six days. The rats in groups 3, 4, and 5 received GA by gavage at 60, 90, and 120 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days and six intraperitoneal injections of 100 mg/kg/day of GEN from nine to fourteen days, respectively. After the last treatment, rats were sacrificed, and testicular weights, sperm parameters (viability, number, and motility of sperm), serum testosterone and gonadotropin hormones, tissue superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde, and testicular histology were evaluated. Gentamicin reduced sperm count, viability, motility, and testicular-weight, as well as serum levels of testosterone, FSH, LH, and SOD. Testicular-weight in GEN + 60, 90, and 120 mg/kg GA groups had significantly increased compared to GEN group. All GA doses in the GEN + GA groups, increased FSH (except dose of 60), LH and testosterone (p < 0.05). In the rats received 120 mg/kg GA, MDA decreased and SOD increased significantly (p < 0.05). Histopathological findings showed that the administration of GA could significantly reduce the adverse effects of GEN on the structure of seminiferous tubules and the number of germ cells (p < 0.05). Administration of GA adjunct with GEN might be beneficial in men who were under GEN therapy.