Full Length Article
Preventing male infertility by marjoram and sage essential oils through modulating testicular lipid accumulation and androgens biosynthesis disruption in a rat model of dietary obesity
- Open Access funded by Mansoura University
- Under a Creative Commons license
Highlights
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- Male infertility is mostly associated with increased occurrence of obesity.
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- Obese men have poorer outcomes after medicinal treatments.
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- This encouraged us to examine the effect of sage and marjoram oil extracts.
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- Both oils showed marked improving effect against male infertility.
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- Responsible mechanism based on preventing relevant hormonal and metabolic changes.
Abstract
Obesity
has been recognized as a leading cause for male infertility. This study
aimed to investigate reproductive disorders caused by obesity and the
possible prevention through the use of marjoram and sage oil extracts.
Obesity was achieved in adult male rats by feeding high fat diet (HFD)
for 12 weeks, while marjoram (0.16 ml/kg b.wt) and sage
(0.05 ml/kg b.wt) oils were given orally for the same duration. HFD-fed
rats exhibited marked obesity features indicated by increased adiposity
index, with higher weight gain compared to control rats. This goes with
increased lipid accumulation in testis and serum of the obese rats.
Increased serum levels of leptin, prolactinL (PRL) and estrogen (E2),
with reduced serum androgens; dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA),
testosterone (T) and T/E2 ratio were also observed. Additionally, the
results showed significant reduction in epididymal sperm count, as well
as in steriodogenic enzymes; 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD),
alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and acid phosphatase (ACP), with marked
elevation in aromatase activity in testis of the obese rats.
Histopathological alterations, including degenerative changes in
seminiferous tubules, with sloughing, vacuolization and reduction of
spermatogenic cells were also detected. Oral administration of marjoram
or sage oil extracts, along with HFD seemed to prevent overall mentioned
alterations, as evident by reduced testicular lipid accumulation,
elevated androgens and sperm count, in addition to improved testicular
structure. Results thus suggested that both oils should be considered in
future therapeutic approaches for controlling adverse impact of obesity
on male fertility.
Keywords
- Obesity;
- Male infertility;
- Aromatase;
- Essential oils;
- Marjoram;
- Sage
1. Introduction
Obesity
is a growing health problem that represents a major cause for number of
chronic diseases. The most common, includes cardiovascular disease,
type-2 diabetes, osteoarthritis and some types of cancer [1]. Besides, a direct relation between obesity and male infertility has been postulated [2].
This relation has merited deep investigation over the past decade owing
to the concurrent trends of rising obesity with increasing male
infertility [3].
Researchers have found higher prevalence of oligospermia in overweight
and obese men, with a significant association between sperm count and
body mass index (BMI) [4].
Obese men have been shown to exhibit reduced androgens and sex
hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels with elevated levels of
circulating estradiol [5].
Obesity was also found to affect the GnRH-LH/FSH pulse that may impair
Lyedig and Sertoli cell functions with subsequent effects on sperm
maturation [6].
In
recent years, a dramatic increase has occurred in the use of natural
plants for maintaining health and preventing diseases. Of these,
aromatic plants are characterized by the presence of volatile compounds
with pleasant odor known as essential oils (EOs). Aromatic plants are
particularly cultivated for the use in food processing, flavoring and
other culinary purposes. However, they were identified also for their
high curative activities [7]. One of the most familiar aromatic plants is marjoram (Origanum majorana, family Lamiaceae) which is particularly native to the Mediterranean region [8].
In folk medicine, marjoram extracts are used for coughs, cramps,
depression, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, migraine and nervous
headaches [9]. Besides, marjoram has been used as analgesic, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal and laxative agent [10]. Marjoram or its EOs seemed also to be effective in enhancing metabolism and maintaining healthy weight [11].
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
is another aromatic plant belonging to family Lamiaceae. It is commonly
used as a spice and condiment in food preparation, particularly in the
Mediterranean cuisine [12].
Sage and its isolated oils are largely responsible for various
therapeutic effects mainly indicated in the treatment of muscle pain and
digestive disorders [13], as well as in promoting energy expenditure and fat oxidation, which may aid in body weight reduction [12]. Sage has shown also to possess antispasmodic, antidepressant and sedative activities [14].
Although
much research supporting medicinal activities of both marjoram and sage
oil extracts, little is known regarding their effects on obesity and
related diseases, particularly male infertility. Therefore, the present
study was carried out to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of
administrating marjoram and sage oil extracts in reducing negative
impact of obesity on male fertility. This was achieved in terms of
evaluating number of reproductive indices, including lipid profile,
reproductive hormones, testicular enzymes and histopathological changes
in testicular tissue.
2. Materials and methods
2.1. Experimental animals
This
study was performed on male Wister albino rats initially weighing
170–180 g. Rats were permitted adequate standard rodent diet (purchased
from Meladco fed Company, Aubor city, Cairo, Egypt) and given water ad libitum
for one week of acclimation period before the experimental work. The
animals care and experiments were complied with “Research Ethics
Committee” Mansoura University, Egypt, in accordance with principles of
the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, National Research Council
“NRC” (NRC 1995).
