Genetic, Biochemical and Histological Studies to Investigate the Effect of Punica granatum and Citrus aurantium Peel Extracts on Male Rabbit Fertility

摘要

The idea of this study was carried out to investigate the link between nutritional supplements rich in antioxidants and fertility. Punica granatum and Citrus aurantium peel extracts effects on fertility were studied in New Zealand rabbit ducks. Study was conducted by investigation of semen physical characters, hormonal analysis, gene expression of Nerve growth factor (NGF) gene and their receptors NTRK1 and NGFR and histological examination. The experiment was carried out using 20 sexually mature New Zealand white male rabbit. The rabbits were divided into 4 groups; the first group received drinking distilled water and served as negative control. The second group was received a dosage of 5mg/kg of sildenafil citrate and served as reference drug. The third and fourth groups were received aqueous extracts of Punica granatum and Citrus aurantium peel at the dosage of 200 mg/kg daily for 28 days. Hormonal analysis revealed both extracts significantly increase the levels of testosterone, follicular stimulating hormone and LH. Punica granatum significantly decreased the sperm physical characters, whereas, Citrus aurantium showed non-significant differences. Punica granatum and Citrus aurantium peel extract increased the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) gene and their receptors (NTRK1& NGFR) gene. In addition, histological examination showed that Citrus aurantium increases the efficiency of testicular tissue. However, the both extracts revealed moderate alteration in liver tissue. Hence, we can concluded that Citrus aurantium have the aptitude to improve the fertility of rabbit bucks more than Punica granatum. Nevertheless, it could not be suggested for a long period due to their negative relation to hepatocytes histological alteration.