Role of Allium cepa and Allium sativum extracts in oxidative stress, sperm parameters and histological abnormalities induced by deep-frying oil in testis

Abstract

Abstract Palm oil is commonly used for deep-frying street food preparation. Extremely vulnerable to oxidative stress and free radicals is testicular tissue. Antioxidant supplements are advised for reducing oxidative stress, boosting spermatogenesis, and neutralizing free radicals. The study evaluated the beneficial role of Allium cepa L(AcL) and Allium sativum L (AsL) extracts in oxidative stress, histopathological, and sperm parameters abnormalities induced by deep-frying palm olein oil in rat testis. Approximately 5 kg of falafel dough tablets were daily deep-fried in oil. For three days, the frying procedure required six hours per day. The animals received daily treatment for four weeks after being split into equal groups (control, AcL, AsL, fresh palm oil (FPO), single heated palm oil (SHPO), repeated heated palm oil (RHPO), AcL + RHPO, AsL + RHPO, and AcL + AsL + RHPO). Serum testosterone level, testicular tissue of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and sperm parameters were measured. In addition, a histopathological examination of the testis was performed. Repeatedly heating oil increased considerably the MDA alongside significant depletion of GSH, SOD, and GSH-Px. Serum levels of testosterone and sperm parameters were decreased significantly with testicular damage. Considerable improvements in oxidative stress, sperm parameters, and testicular histology were observed with concomitant administration of AcL and AsL. SHPO showed no significant changes. In the testes of rats subjected to oxidative stress caused by RHPO, extracts of AcL and AsL exhibit strong antioxidant protection. The study concluded that AcL and AsL extracts have potent antioxidant protection in the testes of rats exposed to RHPO-induced oxidative stress.