Eur J Anat, 17 (2): 92-101 (2013)

Cytoprotective activities of Anacardium occidentale (Linn) on the testis of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Victor Ukwenya¹, Olumide Ashaolu¹, David Adeyemi², Efere Obuotor², Bernard Enaibe³ and Ezekiel Caxton-Martins³

¹Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria,²Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria,³University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study presents the protective effects of methanolic Anacardium occidentale leaf extract (AOLE) on the testes of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Forty male wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were randomly divided into four experimental groups A,B,C and D. Hyperglycaemia was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.1 M STZ (70 mg/kg b.w). Five days after the confirmation of hyperglycaemia by using a glucometer (Roche^(R)) and compatible glucose test strips, groups A and B were treated with 300 mg/kg b.w of the extract and 1 I.U/kg b.w insulin respectively. Groups C and D served as hyperglycaemic and normal controls and received 1 ml/kg b.w citrate buffer respectively.After 16 days of treatment, blood was collected through retro-orbital puncture for insulin and reproductive hormone (FSH, LH and testosterone) analysis; the animals were then sacrificed and the testes were processed for histological staining. Data obtained were expressed as means of ten (10) replicates ± SEM and subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Scheffeâ??s post hoc test for multiple comparisons.Results showed that the levels of testosterone, FSH and LH in the AOLE- and insulin-treated rats increased significantly compared to the hyperglycaemic controls (P<0.05).Histological sections revealed improved cellularity, germinal epithelium, tubular diameter, cross-sectional area and luminal spermatids in the AOLE- and insulin-treated rats when compared with the hyperglycaemic control.AOLE improved the structural integrity of the testes, promoted spermatogenesis, and improved the profile of reproductive hormones.

Keywords: Anacardium occidentale, Testes, Cytoprotective, Streptozotocin, Reproductive hormones, Hyperglycaemia