EFFECT OF ACETYL L-CARNITINE ADMINISTRATION ON TESTICULAR HISTOPATHOLOGY, APOPTOSIS, AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN AN EXPERIMENTAL CHRONIC ALCOHOLISM MODEL

Abstract

Objective

Alcohol addiction is recognized as a serious public health issue today. The World Health Organization classifies alcohol as substances that cause both physiological and psychological dependence when consumed over prolonged periods. Studies clearly indicate that chronic alcohol consumption has detrimental effects on the male reproductive system, suggesting that it is a risk factor for male fertility with reproductive and endocrine problems. Acetaldehyde, which is formed by the metabolism of alcohol, causes the production of free radicals when oxidized, which triggers apoptotic processes and oxidative stress. It is known that chronic alcohol use results in oxidative stress. However, various studies have shown that acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) has antioxidant effects on several biological mechanisms under different conditions. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential effects of ALCAR administration on sperm motility, testicular histopathology, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in rats chronically exposed to ethanol (EtOH).

Materials and Methods

Rats were randomly separated into 4 groups. Over the course of the 4-week period, EtOH (5 g/kg, 25% w/v), ALCAR (50 mg/kg), and EtOH (5 g/kg, 25% w/v) + ALCAR (50 mg/kg) were given to rats by oral gavage daily (n=10/group). However, the control group received only distilled water. Epididymal sperm motility and testicular weight index were measured in line with testicular histopathology and modified Johnsen scoring. TUNEL assay was used for the assessment of the apoptotic index. Total oxidants and antioxidant status were analyzed with ELISA.

Results

Sperm motility and testicular modified Johnsen scores were decreased in the EtOH group (p<0.001). However, the EtOH+ALCAR group showed similar levels as to the control group. Even though no significant difference was determined for testicular weight index, immature germ cells spilled into the lumen, vacuolization in the intertubular area, and expansion in the interstitial area were observed in the EtOH group in contrast to normal testicular histology in the EtOH+ALCAR group. Chronic alcohol administration caused a significant increase in the apoptotic index (p<0.05) and oxidative stress (p<0.001). Nevertheless, we detected decreased apoptotic index and oxidative stress levels in the EtOH+ALCAR group compared to the EtOH group.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that ALCAR, an antioxidant compound, may have beneficial effects against the damages caused by chronic use of alcohol, such as poor sperm motility, testicular atrophy, and increased oxidative stress. However, the exact efficacy of ALCAR on the treatment for male infertility and metabolic consequences of chronic alcohol consumption needs to be confirmed by further investigations.