The Effect of Thymoquinone on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal- Gonadal Axis in Metronidazole-Induced Infertility in Adult Male Wistar Rats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30442/ahr.1103-07-294Abstract
Background: Hypothalamus centrally modulates fertility by controlling the reproductive hormonal axis.
Objectives: To investigate the effect of thymoquinone on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in metronidazole-induced infertility in adult male Wistar rats.
Methods: Forty-nine male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups: group A (Control), Group B (Metronidazole only), Group C (Metronidazole + Thymoquinone low dose), Group D (Metronidazole + Thymoquinone high dose), Group E (Metronidazole + Recovery), Group F (Metronidazole + Thymoquinone low dose + Recovery), and Group G (Metronidazole + Thymoquinone high dose + Recovery). Experimental animals received 500 mg/kg of metronidazole, 200 mg/kg of thymoquinone, and 400 mg/kg of thymoquinone. Hormonal levels (GnRH, FSH, LH, testosterone) and sperm parameters were assessed after specific treatment durations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and standard sperm analysis techniques.
Results: Metronidazole significantly decreased reproductive hormones: GnRH (71.11 ± 0.78 pg/mL), FSH (24.12 ± 0.60 mIU/mL), LH (4.87 ± 0.75 mIU/mL), and testosterone (2.13 ± 0.54 ng/mL) compared to controls (GnRH: 94.44 ± 0.19, FSH: 36.41 ± 1.90, LH: 14.93 ± 0.05, testosterone: 6.84 ± 0.13). Thymoquinone administration notably restored hormone levels: Group C (GnRH: 99.50 ± 0.29, FSH: 38.32 ± 0.90, LH: 35.97 ± 0.54, testosterone: 6.99 ± 0.53) and Group D (GnRH: 95.50 ± 0.17, FSH: 40.18 ± 0.63, LH: 31.43 ± 1.10, testosterone: 6.89 ± 0.42). Sperm parameters improved significantly in treated groups, with viability at 75.00 ± 0.04%, count at 205.00 ± 0.87 million/mL, motility at 77.00 ± 0.40%, and morphology at 80.00 ± 0.19%. Histological analysis revealed regeneration of testicular tissues.
Conclusion: Thymoquinone effectively ameliorates metronidazole-induced infertility by restoring the HPG axis function, enhancing hormone levels, and improving sperm parameters.
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