Disturbances in Calcium and Zinc Homeostasis During Testicular Damage Induced by Citrus aurantifolia Juice in Wistar...

Infertility rate is high globally and in Nigeria. The reported spermicidal activity of Citrus aurantifolia juice (CAJ)and its popular consumption may be a contributing factor to the rise in male infertility. This study examined the effects ofCAJ on testis and evaluated the role of calcium and zinc in these effects. Twenty-eight male rats (200-220g) were groupedinto four (n=7). Group I (control) received 0.5ml normal saline, while groups II, III and IV received 600mg/kg, 900mg/kgand 1200mg/kg of CAJ, respectively, orally for 35 days. Sperm analysis, testicular histology, testicular zinc and calciumconcentrations were evaluated. The results showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in body weight and gonad-somaticindex (GSI) of the rats in group IV. No sperm cells were found in the sperm samples of all the treatment groups in contrastto control. There was a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in zinc concentration of group III and IV animals and a significantincrease (P < 0.001) in testicular calcium content of group III and IV animals. Derangement of testicular cyto-architecture,shrinkage or complete destruction of seminiferous tubules as well as absence of spermatogenic cells were observed in thetreatment groups. It was concluded that CAJ induced a destructive effect on testes of rats as evidenced by damaged testiculartissue, reduced gonado-somatic index, azospermia and disruption in testicular electrolyte homeostasis. It was concluded thatCAJ caused hypercalcaemia and hypozincaemia in the testicular tissue of the treated rats. Concurrently, CAJ also causeddamage to testicular histology, azospermia and decreased GSI. Citrus aurantifolia juice should be consumed with cautiondue to its potential to cause infertility in males.