Evaluation of the protective role of Epimedium grandiflorum leaf nano-extract in testicular histological changes in male albino rats treated with amlodipine

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the protective role of the nano-extract of Epimedium grandiflorum leaves on the testicular tissue structure of male albino rats (Rattas rattus) treated with amlodipine. The study was conducted at the Animal Unit, College of Science, University of Kufa. Thirty-five male albino rats, with an average age of 10 weeks and an average weight of 225-250 grams, were used. The animals were divided into seven groups of five animals each and treated as follows: the control group (group 1), which was treated with normal saline solution only; the second group, which was treated with the drug at a dose of 10 mg/kg; the third group, which was treated with the plant extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg; the fourth group, which was treated with both the plant extract and the drug at a concentration of 500 mg + 10 mg/kg; the fifth group, which was treated with the nano-extract at a dose of 1 mg/kg; and the sixth group, which was treated with the extract.  The nanoparticles and the drug at a concentration of (1) + (10) mg/kg and the zinc oxide group at a concentration of (1 mg/kg), and all groups were treated for 45 days daily via the Abnub gastric dosing route. The animals were then sacrificed, and the testes were removed and placed in formalin for histological section preparation. Microscopic examination of the testicular tissue in the control group of male rats revealed that the seminiferous tubules had well-filled lumen containing sperm, and that Leydig cells and a germinal epithelial layer were present. In the drug group, however, fibrosis, atrophy, or obstruction were observed, along with degeneration and disintegration of the germinal layer, resulting in few or no sperm in the seminiferous tubules and separation of the germinal layer from the basement membrane in most tubules. The testicular tissue in the rat group treated with the plant extract had a normal structure, showing normal seminiferous tubules and nuclei. The group treated with the plant extract and the drug exhibited a near-normal structure and was considered a protective group. Spermatogenous cell layers and regular seminiferous tubules were observed, along with the presence of Leydig cells in the interstitial tissue. As for the nano-extract group, the seminiferous tubules appeared normal, indicating the extract's protective and therapeutic effects against the drug. Sertoli cells also appeared. Similarly, the nano-group combined with the drug showed sperm and seminiferous tubules filled with normal sperm, indicating their regularity. However, the zinc oxide group, the toxic group, exhibited a decrease in the size of the epithelial cell layer, almost no sperm in the tubular lumen, cell disintegration, and separation of the germ layer from the basement membrane.