Comparative effects of ethanol extract of <i>Talinum triangulare</i> and ascorbic acid on Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate induced undescended testis in Wistar rats

Abstract

This study compared the effects of Talinum triangulare extract and Ascorbic acid on the oxidative stress caused by Di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP) induced undescended testis (UDT) in Wistar rats. Twenty-four pregnant rats were randomly divided into six groups of four animals each. Group 1(Control) received 2.5ml/kg corn oil for 21 days, Group 2 received 750mg/kg DEHP on gestational days (GD) 14-18, Group 3 received 200mg/kg ascorbic acid for 21 days and 750mg/kg DEHP from GD 14-18 and Group 4 received 200mg/kg Talinum triangulare extract for 21 days and 750mg/kg of DEHP from GD 14-18. The dams were delivered, the resulting pups weighed and sacrificed on postnatal day (PND) 28. Gross examination of the pups, biochemical and histological changes were recorded. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA. Group 2 pups had UDT and low birth weight compared to other groups. The mean testicular weight and anogenital distance (AGD) were low in Group 2 pups compared to pups in Groups 3 and 4. The mean values of all the antioxidant enzymes and serum testosterone were low in Group 2 pups compared to other groups. Histological examination of the testes of Group 2 pups revealed moderate vascular congestion within the tunica albuginea and severe atrophy of seminiferous tubules with degenerated Sertoli cells compared to normal findings in other Groups. Although the ameliorative effects of Talinum triangulare is not as potent as that of Ascorbic acid, preconceptional and continuous intake of this vegetable by pregnant women would help to prevent UDT and other associated problems.

Keywords: Oxidative stress, Talinum triangulare , testosterone, Undescended testis, Ascorbic acid