Melatonin mitigates methamphetamine-induced testicular oxidative stress, hormonal imbalance and seminiferous tubule degeneration in rats

Abstract

Drug abuse has become a significant public health concern due to its effects on socioeconomic and mental health challenges. Methamphetamine (MAP) is a common psychostimmulant drug consume widely by youth. it excites central nervous system, alters neurotransmiters and affects body tissues including testis. This study examined the effects of melatonin on methamphetamine-induced testicular toxicity in adult rats. Thirty-two (32) adult male Wistar rats (130 ± 2.70 g) were used were randomly assigned into four (4) groups of 8 animals each. Group 1 was given 0.5 ml/kg of phosphate buffered saline (PBS); group II received 20 mg/kg of MAP; group III was administered 10 mg/kg of MAP; and group IV was given 20 mg/kg of MAP plus 10 mg/kg of MAP. All the administration was carried out orally using oral cannula and lasted for 21 days. After the administration, oxidative stress level, Hormonal concentration, seminal fluid parameters were assayed. Histological analysis of the testis was done using H & E stain. Melatonin was able to improved antioxidant capacity of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), and reduced Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. It also regulate the hormonal concentration of LH, FSH and testosterone and enhanced the caudal epididymal sperm quality and restored testicular morphology. Melatonin showed an antioxidant effects against methamphetanine-induced testicular toxicity and improve testicular functions in rat. Therefore melatonin has a therapeutic benefit against methamphetamine toxicity.