The protective role of ascorbic acid on the testis tissue damage induced by paracetamol in albino rats

Ascorbic acid (AA) plays roles in many biological functions, such as participating in the production of collagen by taking a role in proline and lysine hydroxylation. AA works by removing the reactive oxygen species, thus removing the adhesion of neutrophils to endothelium. The present study investigates the protective effects of AA on the testis tissue damage induced by paracetamol in rats. Thirty-two male rats were equally divided into four groups, with eight rats in each. Group (1) regular control group, group (2) was received 500 mg/kg/b.w. of AA orally for two weeks, group (3) was received 500 mg/kg/b.w. of paracetamol orally for two weeks, group (4) was treated with the AA (500 mg/kg/b.w.) and paracetamol (500 mg/kg/b.w.) orally for two weeks. The histopathological investigations of the testis tissues from the paracetamol group showed atrophy and degeneration of seminiferous tubules with an absence of spermatozoa, presence of cell debris, and loss of the Sertoli cells in some seminiferous tubules when compared with control animals. The testis tissues from a protective group showed less damage in the tubules and germ cells when compared with the paracetamol group. This study indicates that AA protects against paracetamol-induced testis damage in adult male rats.