Testicular microanatomical and hormonal alterations following use of antiretroviral therapy in Sprague Dawley rats: Role of Naringenin

Human immunodeficiency virus-infected man may require assisted reproductive technology not just for safer conception but also due to subfertility. The study investigated the effect of antiretroviral drugs on the fertility potentials of males and the possible protective role of Naringenin, using Sprague Dawley rats. Thirty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were grouped intoA: Distilled water; B: Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART); C: Naringenin 40mg/kg; D: Naringenin 80mg/kg, E: HAART+Naringenin 40mg/kg; F: HAART+Naringenin 80mg/kg. The rats were euthanised after 10weeks. Results showed a significant decrease in sperm count in group B when compared to the control and other groups. Spermatozoa with normal morphology also reduced significantly in the B group and progressive sperm motility reduced when compared to the control, D and the F group. The serum testosterone was not significantly different between groups A and B, however the groups C and D displayed significant increase when compared to groups A and B. The serum luteinising hormone was significantly higher in group B when compared to groups A, E and F. Our data suggest that Naringenin improves the male reproductive anatomy and function, therefore, it promises to be a beneficial adjuvant for mitigating HAART testicular and reproductive perturbations.