The protective role of ascorbic acid in burn-induced testicular damage in rats

Objective

To investigate the ability of ascorbic acid to protect the testes from damage in severe burns.

Design

Experimental study.

Setting

University of Lagos Medical School, Department of Anatomy.

Animals

28 adult male Wistar rats (250–300 g).

Intervention

Third degree burn was induced on 40% body surface area of rats and they were given ascorbic acid at 4 mg/kg over 8 weeks.

Main outcome measured

Weight of reproductive organs and epididymal sperm parameters were measured. Oxidative status was assayed and a semi-quantitative assessment of histologic changes was also carried out.

Results

Burn caused severe seminiferous tubular damage, especially germ cell loss (p < 0.05). This was matched by significant reduction in sperm density and morphology (p < 0.05). Burn also increased oxidative stress, with elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p < 0.01) and changes in catalase and superoxide dismutase enzyme levels. Ascorbic acid prevented the changes in all sperm parameters. It normalized MDA levels (p < 0.01) and attenuated changes in the levels of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Ascorbic acid treatment also significantly reduced histologic damage to seminiferous tubules.

Conclusion

This study shows that severe thermal injury causes significant testicular damage and impairs spermatogenesis. It also shows that ascorbic acid protects the testis from such damage and therefore has the potential to be a useful adjunct therapy during treatment of young males with severe burns.