Evaluating the histomorphological and biochemical changes induced by Tributyltin Chloride on pituitary-testicular axis of adult albino rats and the possible ameliorative role of hesperidin

ABSTRACT

This study was performed to explore in detail the toxic effects of Tributyltin Chloride (TBT) on the pituitary-testicular axis and the possible amelioration with Hesperidin. Seventy-two adult male albino rats were divided into four groups: Control group (I), TBT-treated group (II), TBT+Hesperidin group (III), and Recovery group (IV). Body and testicular weights were measured. Blood samples were taken to estimate serum levels of testosterone, FSH and LH hormones by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Malondialdehyde (MDA) level was measured in testes homogenates. Tissue samples from the pituitary glands and testes were processed for light, electron microscope examination, and immunohistochemical detection of anti-FSH, and Ki67 proteins. Results showed a statistically significant decrease in testicular weight, serum testosterone, FSH and LH levels and a significant increase in tissue MDA in the TBT group when compared to the control group. TBT treatment caused severe histopathological changes with decreased area percent of PAS-stained basophils, and anti FSH immuno-stained gonadotrophs in the pituitary gland. The testes of group II also showed marked tissue damage, cell loss with decreased epithelial height and decreased number of proliferating spermatogenic cells. Hesperidin supplementation with TBT proved significant amelioration of the previously mentioned parameters in both glands which could improve male fertility. In conclusion: The flavonoid Hesperidin has the potential to protect against the reproductive damage induced by TBT in susceptible individuals.

KEYWORDS:

• Hesperidin
• Histology
• Pituitary
• Testis
• Tributyltin chloride

Acknowledgments

Shaban SF, Khattab MA and Abdelrahman SA: Creating the idea of research, interpretation of the histological and immunohistochemical results, performing the statistics of biochemical and morphometry results and manuscript writing. Abd El Hameed SH: Performing the practical part of histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscope examination, collecting data, shared in manuscript writing and responsible for references editing. All authors have revised and approved the final manuscript for publication.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Consent for Publication

All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

Data availability statement

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this article. Further enquiries can be directed to the corresponding author. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-q1Q0pYEpAeqlJ-XeNHqtYWdxJs0xK22

Additional information

Funding

This research was self-funded by the authors and did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency.