Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 22, 2025
Methods to Evaluate Cytotoxicity and Immunosuppression of Combustible Tobacco Product Preparations
Published on: January 10, 2015
Protective effect of gallic acid on nicotine-induced testicular toxicity in mice
Cyrus Jalili1, Mastaneh Korani2, Mona Pazhouhi2
1Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, I.R. Iran.
Background And Purpose:
Nicotine is an alkaloid found in many nutrients and tobacco that can cause infertility in men. Gallic acid is a powerful antioxidant that possesses antimutagenic and anticancer activities. This study aimed to determine the potential protective effect of gallic acid against nicotine-induced testicular toxicity in male mice.
Experimental Approach:
In this in vivo study, forty-eight mice were equally divided into eight groups intraperitoneally receiving normal saline (control), nicotine (0.6 mg/kg), gallic acid (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg), and gallic acid (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg) plus nicotine. Nicotine was injected intraperitoneally for 14 days and gallic acid was administered concomitantly with nicotine and continued for 7 days later. Then, body and testicular weights, the sperm parameters (viability, number, motility, and morphology of sperm), and testicular histology were evaluated. Also, serum levels of nitric oxide, total antioxidant, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and testosterone were measured.
Findings/Results:
The results showed that the administration of nicotine significantly reduced testis and body weight, sperm count, viability, normal morphology and motility, seminiferous tubules diameter, testosterone levels, serum levels of total antioxidants, and superoxide dismutase compared to the control group (P < 0.05). It also significantly increased the level of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde (P < 0.05). Increasing the dose of gallic acid along with nicotine significantly increased body weight, sperm count, viability, normal morphology and motility, the diameter of seminiferous, testosterone concentration, total antioxidant levels (P < 0.05). This combination also significantly decreased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels compared to the nicotine-receiving group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion And Implications:
Gallic acid had a protective effect on nicotine-induced testicular toxicity in mice. It can neutralize the harmful effect of nicotine on male fertility in smokers.
Insights
Gallic acid protects against nicotine-induced testicular toxicity in male mice. This antioxidant neutralizes harmful effects on sperm parameters and testicular function, suggesting a potential benefit for male smokers.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Antioxidant research
- In vivo pharmacology
Background:
- Nicotine, an alkaloid in tobacco, is linked to male infertility.
- Gallic acid is a potent antioxidant with antimutagenic and anticancer properties.
- Testicular toxicity from nicotine exposure is a significant concern for male reproductive health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of gallic acid against nicotine-induced testicular damage in male mice.
- To evaluate gallic acid's efficacy in mitigating nicotine's adverse impact on male reproductive parameters.
- To assess gallic acid's potential as a therapeutic agent against nicotine-related infertility.
Main Methods:
- An in vivo study involving 48 male mice divided into eight groups.
- Administration of nicotine (0.6 mg/kg) and varying doses of gallic acid (5, 10, 15 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection.
- Evaluation of body and testicular weights, sperm parameters (viability, count, motility, morphology), testicular histology, and serum markers (nitric oxide, antioxidants, malondialdehyde, testosterone).
Main Results:
- Nicotine significantly reduced testis weight, sperm quality, seminiferous tubule diameter, and testosterone levels, while increasing nitric oxide and malondialdehyde.
- Gallic acid co-administration dose-dependently improved body weight, sperm parameters, seminiferous tubule diameter, and testosterone levels.
- Gallic acid significantly reduced malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in nicotine-exposed mice, indicating an antioxidant effect.
Conclusions:
- Gallic acid demonstrates a significant protective effect against nicotine-induced testicular toxicity in male mice.
- Gallic acid can neutralize the detrimental effects of nicotine on male fertility.
- These findings suggest gallic acid's potential therapeutic value for male smokers experiencing fertility issues.
More Related Videos
05:27Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication: A Functional Biomarker to Assess Adverse Effects of Toxicants and Toxins, and Health Benefits of Natural Products
Published on: December 25, 2016
06:12Using Nicotine in a Silica-Exposed Mouse Model to Promote Lung Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: March 3, 2023