Consequence of Aging on Male Albino Rats' Testes and Possible Protective Role of Resveratrol

Background: Aging is a normal physiological process that causes several changes in all organs, and changes in testicular histology are one consequence of aging that leads to decline in male fertility. The aim of the study: is to examine the impact of aging on the testes and the possible protective role of resveratrol. Method: Twenty-four male of Wistar albino rats were used in the present study, which divided into three groups of eight animals each. A 6-month-old control group A. Group B the 24 month old group. Group C the old age group treated with resveratrol received 25 mg/kg/day dissolved in distilled water given orally by gastric tube. Treatment were performed for 3 months. At end of experiment, blood was collected for hormonal assessment, the animals were scarified, and the testes were taken and prepared for histological examination. Results: revealed that the testes had regressive age-related structural alterations include atrophy and sclerosed seminiferous tubules, arrest of spermatogenesis, decrease in the spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells, thickening of the tunica albuginea, increase in Leydig cells associated with decrease testosterone and increase in FSH )follicular stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), increase the oxidative marker MDA (Malonaldehyde ), in addition to deterioration in sperm analysis. The use of RES (Resveratrol) improve the testosterone, FSH and LH with decrease the MDA and improve the histological changes of aged testes . Conclusion: aging has deleterious effect on testes cause histological changes, reduction in spermatozoa's quality and quantity with aging and increase oxidative stress of aged testes and the use of RES as a preventative and/or therapeutic drug for aging-related testicular alterations is possible.