Persea americana seed extract can counteract the negative effects of cyclosporine on male rat reproduction, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, sperm quality, and hormonal balance.
Thirty male albino rats were used in this experiment and, apart from the control group, all were induced with cyclosporine. They were then divided into five groups: one remained untreated, the second was given lisinopril, and the remaining two received varying doses of Persea americana seed extract (PAE). The antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase, along with arginase activities, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde levels of the penile tissue, were evaluated. Additionally, serum hormonal concentration (including follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone) and sperm quality were examined.
In cyclosporine-induced rats, there was a notable decline in antioxidant enzymes, sperm quality, nitric oxide, and hormonal levels. More so, arginase activity and malondialdehyde levels increased. However, once groups were treated with PAE or lisinopril, a significant improvement was observed across these parameters, including a decrease in malondialdehyde levels and arginase activity. This demonstrates that the persea americana seed extract possesses therapeutic potential for managing hormonal disruptions caused by oxidative stress.
