Effects of heat stress on some reproductive parameters of male cavie (Cavia porcellus) and mitigation strategies using guava (Psidium guajava) leaves essential oil. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ngoula, Ferdinand; Guemdjo Tekam, Maryvonne; Kenfack, Augustave; Tadondjou Tchingo, Cyrille D'Alex; Nouboudem, Sandrine; Ngoumtsop, Herman; Tsafack, Borice; Teguia, Alexis; Kamtchouing, Pierre; Galeotti, Marco; Tchoumboue, Joseph
• Is Part Of: Journal of thermal biology. Volume 64(2016)
• Page Start: 67
• Page End: 72
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Reproduction -- Male cavy -- Heat stress -- Guava leaves essential oil; Thermobiology -- Periodicals; Temperature -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Thermobiologie -- Périodiques; Thermobiology; Periodicals; 571.46
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2017.01.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4565

Abstract

Abstract: Climate changes, particularly the increase of temperature are among the main causes behind the decline of fertility in humans as well as animals. In this study, the effects of heat stress on some reproductive parameters of male cavies and mitigation strategies using guava leaves essential oil (GLEO) were studied. For this purpose, 40 male cavies aged 2.5–3 months and weighing between 348 and 446 g were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals each and subjected to the following temperatures: Ambient temperature (20–25 °C) for the control group, 35 °C for group 1, 45 °C for group 2 and 45 °C+100 µl GLEO/kg body weight, administered by gavage to animals for group 3. Exposure time of heat was 7 h per day for 60 days. Results reveal that the relative weights of testes, epididymis, vas deferens and seminal vesicles were hardly affected by the temperature levels considered (P>0.05). The mass and individual sperm motility was significantly lower (P<0.05) in cavies exposed to the temperature of 35 and 45 °C as compared with those which received GLEO and controls. The percentages of abnormal sperm and altered sperm DNA were higher in animals exposed to temperature of 35 and 45 °C as compared with the controls. The activity of superoxide dismutase significantly increased (P<0.05) in animals exposed to temperature of 45 °C and in those of 45 °C and orally treated with GLEO, compared with cavies exposed to temperature of 45 °C without receiving GLEO. The level of malondialdehyde was significantly increased (P<0.05) in animals exposed to temperature of 35 and 45 °C, whereas the level of nitric oxide was significantly lower (P<0.05) in exposed animals as compared with controls. It was concluded that the exposure of male cavies at 35 and 45 °C for 60 days induce heat stress that causes deterioration of sperm characteristics. These effects that can be mitigated by the administration of guava leaves essential oil. Highlights: Heat stress increases oxidative stress indicators (GSH, SOD, MDA) in male cavies. Heat-stressed male cavies exhibit low sperm count and high sperm DNA damages. Administration of GLEO reduces sperm defects in heat-stressed male cavies.