Ethanol-induced testicular damage and evaluation of melatonin's effect on repair and reproductive system

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

2 Department of Clinical science, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

3 گروه علوم پایه، دانشکده دامپزشکی، دانشگاه سمنان، سمنان، ایران

4 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Semnan, Semnan, Iran

5 Department of Basic sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Semnan, Semnan, Iran

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the protective role of melatonin against ethanol-induced oxidative damage in the testes of adult rats. Thirty-two rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Group 1 (negative control) received normal saline orally and intraperitoneally; Group 2 (positive control) received 30% ethanol (3 g/kg orally) and saline intraperitoneally; Group 3 received ethanol plus melatonin at a subclinical dose (5 mg/kg IP); Group 4 received ethanol plus melatonin at a clinical dose (10 mg/kg IP). Blood samples were collected for serum testosterone analysis by CLIA, and testes were harvested, weighed, and histologically processed. Ethanol significantly decreased testicular weight, serum testosterone levels, and histomorphometric indices compared to controls. The group receiving 5 mg/kg melatonin showed significant improvements in testicular weight, testosterone levels, and the number of primary spermatocytes and spermatids, though other parameters remained unchanged. In contrast, the 10 mg/kg melatonin group exhibited significant improvements in all measured parameters. These findings suggest that melatonin, particularly at clinical doses, may effectively mitigate ethanol-induced testicular damage by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing structural and hormonal recovery of the reproductive system.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Journal of Veterinary Laboratory Research
Volume 17, Issue 1 - Serial Number 27
in processing
April 2025
Pages 1-11

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics