Reproductive System & Sexual Disorders: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Effect of Green Tea Extract on the Interferon-Induced Testicular Apoptosis in the Adult Albino Rat: Immunohistochemical and Electron Microscopic Study

Hassan M Rezk, Mohamed Elsherbiny, Wagdi F Elkashef and Medhat Taha

Background: Interferons (IFNs) are widely used in the treatment of various diseases and can disrupt spermatogenesis and inhibition Leydig cell steroidogenesis through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs) that cause oxidative stress. Aim of the work: In this study we examine the effect of (IFN) on rat spermatogonia and investigate the possible protective effect of Grean tea on (IFN)-induced spermatogonia appotosis. Material and Methods: Forty-eight adult male albino rats (240-280 g) were used in this study. They were divided into three groups. Group I in which rats were served as a control and were given sterile normal saline. The rats in Group II were given 7.500 units of interferon (INF) α-2β, considered in clinical treatment dose range, 3 times weekly under inhalation anesthesia for 2 month (Group II a) and 3 month (Group II b). Group III received Green tea extract and interferon α-2β in the same dose of group (II) for 2 month (Group III a) and 3 month (Group III b). 200 mg of green tea extract was dissolved in distal water and solution was administrated orally through gastric tube at dose level of (40 mg/k.g.b.w.). At the end of the 2 and 3 month respectively, bilateral orchiectomy was performed through standard ilioinguinal incisions and the rats were sacrified by pentobarbital overdose (200 mg=kg) inhalation. The testes were removed and separated. A part of one testis was fixed in Bouin fixative to be used for histopathological and immunohistochemical studies for p53 and the other part was used in a fresh state to determine the level of the Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). The other testis was fixed in 1% gluteraldehyde and 4% formaldehyde in (pH 7.4) for at least 2 hours to overnight. Ultrathin sections processed for transmission electron microscopic studies. Results: Interferon induced testicular damage that is revealed by loss of testicular architecture through Hx. and E. stained sections, Immunohistochemical stained sections against p53 and the electron microscopic examination. These findings were accompanied by significant reduction in diameter of seminiferous tubules and thickness of the germinal epithelium with significant reduction in SOD. Otherwise, the green tea extract definitely reverse the above mentioned findings with improvement of testicular architecture and significant increase in diameter of seminiferous tubules, thickness of the germinal epithelium and elevated SOD. The mean of the diameter of the seminiferous tubules of Group IIa showed a significant decrease by nearly 34% in comparison to Group IIb showed a higher significant decrease by nearly 43%. The mean of the thickness of the seminiferous tubules of Group IIa showed a significant reduction by nearly 33% while in Group IIb showed a higher significant reduction by nearly 50%. The mean of the level of the Superoxide Dismutase in Group IIa showed significant decrease by nearly the half while in Group IIb revealed a higher significant decrease by nearly 59%. The mean of the diameter of the seminiferous tubules in Group IIIa showed a significant increase by nearly 32% and by nearly 43% in Group IIIb. The mean of the thickness of the seminiferous tubules in Group IIIa showed significant increase by nearly 11% while in Group IIIb the significant increase was by nearly 45%. The mean of the level of the Superoxide Dismutase of the seminiferous tubules in Group IIIa did not show significant increase while in Group IIIb revealed a higher significant increase by nearly 48% Group IIIb. Conclusion: The green tea extract has a powerful antioxidant effect that can reverse the damage caused