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Age-related histopathological and biochemical testicular damages were ameliorated by vitamin C administration
Fatemeh Heidari1, Naghmeh Kian2, Nahid Azad3
1Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Introduction And Objectives:
Aging is an irreversible process associated with decreased biological functions that can lead to the reduction of reproductive organs capacities in males and females. Paternal age is a significant predictor of offspring health and development. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin C on histopathological and biochemical testicular changes following aging process with a focus on stereological methods.
Material And Methods:
For this study, 48 adult male NMRI mice were divided into two control and experimental groups. Mice in experimental group were supplemented with vitamin C (150mg/kg) including 24-h interval by oral gavage for 33 weeks. Same regime was performed for animals in control group except that vitamin C was replaced by water. Then, right testes were extracted for stereological and left testes were used for molecular analyses on weeks 8, 12, and 33.
Results:
Our findings showed low semen quality, decreased level of serum Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone along with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and higher apoptotic gene expression following aging. Stereological studies showed that the volume of testes, the length of seminiferous tubules, and the number of spermatogenic and none-spermatogenic cells decreased significantly during aging. Also, vitamin C consumption for 33 weeks significantly improved biochemical and histological indices. The impact of aging on male reproduction seems to be inevitable worldwide. Therefore, the use of protective and preventive remedies conserving male fecundity is very important and based on our results, vitamin C is a beneficial candidate for improving age-related testicular changes due to aging process.
Insights
Aging negatively impacts male fertility, reducing semen quality and hormone levels. Vitamin C supplementation for 33 weeks improved testicular function and histology in aging mice, suggesting its potential as a protective agent.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Gerontology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Aging leads to irreversible declines in biological functions, notably affecting male reproductive capacity.
- Paternal age is a critical factor influencing offspring health and developmental outcomes.
- Understanding age-related testicular changes is crucial for male fertility preservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of vitamin C on age-related histopathological and biochemical alterations in testes.
- To utilize stereological methods for quantifying testicular changes during aging.
- To assess vitamin C's potential to mitigate reproductive decline in aging males.
Main Methods:
- Adult male NMRI mice (n=48) were divided into control (water) and experimental (vitamin C, 150mg/kg) groups.
- Supplementation was administered via oral gavage for 33 weeks, with assessments at 8, 12, and 33 weeks.
- Stereological analysis of testes and molecular analysis of testicular tissue were performed.
Main Results:
- Aging decreased semen quality, serum Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels.
- Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptotic gene expression were observed in aging testes.
- Vitamin C supplementation significantly improved biochemical and histological testicular indices, counteracting aging effects.
Conclusions:
- Age-related decline in male reproductive function is a significant global concern.
- Vitamin C demonstrates a beneficial role in improving age-related testicular changes and preserving male fecundity.
- Proactive use of agents like vitamin C is important for conserving male fertility during the aging process.
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