Effect of cholesterol diet on reproductive function in male albino rats

OBJECTIVE: The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of cholesterol diet (400 mg/kg body weight) for 60 days on gonadal function in albino rats.

METHODS: The study was conducted in the Animal House Unit at Jordan University of Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Irbid, Jordan between October 2003 and February 2004. Adult male and female albino rats of Sprague Dawley strain were raised under controlled temperature and light. Male rats were divided into: a) control group - rats receiving vehicle (olive oil) for 60 days and treatment group - rats receiving cholesterol diet for a reproductive cycle. Animals were weighed and autopsied 24 hours after the last dose. Biochemical and histological approaches were used to assess fertility in both groups.

RESULTS: The treatment caused significant reduction (p<0.001) in sperm motility and density in cauda epididymides and testes. A significant reduction (p<0.001) in epithelial cell height of caput, cauda and seminal vesicle was also observed. In the treated group, there was a significant reduction (p<0.001) in seminiferous tubules diameter and Leydig cell nuclear diameter. Spermatocytes (primary and secondary) were significantly decreased (p<0.01) and spermatids were significantly reduced (p<0.001) in the treatment group. Whereas, the number of degenerating Leydig cells (interstitial cells) increased significantly (p<0.001). Serum biochemistry reveals significant increase (p<0.001) in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The intragastric administration of cholesterol diet to male rats for 60 days significantly reduced the number of females impregnated by these males. However, the number of implantations and number of viable fetuses were significantly (p<0.01) decreased in female rats impregnated by males that ingested cholesterol. On the other hand, the number of resorptions was significantly (p<0.01) increased in females impregnated by males that ingested cholesterol. The histometry and histology of reproductive organs confirm these results.

CONCLUSION: Hyperlipidemia can cause alteration in the biochemistry and histometry of reproductive organs and can cause inhibition of spermatogenesis via the Leydig cell.