Effects of testosterone replacement on lipid profile, hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress, and cognitive performance in castrated wistar rats


Published: November 15, 2023
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Authors

  • Oumayma Boukari Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Jarzouna 7021, Bizerte, Tunisia.
  • Wahid Khemissi Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Jarzouna 7021, Bizerte, Tunisia.
  • Soumaya Ghodhbane Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Jarzouna 7021, Bizerte, Tunisia.
  • Aida Lahbib Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Jarzouna 7021, Bizerte, Tunisia.
  • Olfa Tebourbi Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Jarzouna 7021, Bizerte, Tunisia.
  • Khemais Ben Rhouma Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Jarzouna 7021, Bizerte, Tunisia.
  • Mohsen Sakly Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Jarzouna 7021, Bizerte, Tunisia. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8980-3712
  • Dorsaf Hallegue Laboratory of Integrated Physiology, Department Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Jarzouna 7021, Bizerte, Tunisia.

Objective: Androgen deficiency is associated with multiple biochemical and behavioral disorders. This study investigated the effects of testosterone replacement and Spirulina Platensis association on testosterone deficiency-induced metabolic disorders and memory impairment. Methods: Adult male rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups and received the following treatments for 20 consecutive days. Control group: non-castrated rats received distilled water. Castrated group received distilled water. Testosterone treated group: castrated rats received 0.20 mg of testosterone dissolved in corn oil by subcutaneous injection (i.p.). Spirulina co-treated group: castrated rats received 0.20 mg of testosterone (i.p.) dissolved in corn oil followed by 1000 mg/kg of Spirulina per os. Results: Data showed that castration induced an increase in plasma ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase (PAL), cholesterol, and triglycerides level. Castrated rats showed a great elevation in SOD and CAT activities and MDA and H2O2 levels in the prostate, seminal vesicles, and brain. Testosterone deficiency was also associated with alteration of the spatial memory and exploratory behaviour. Testosterone replacement either alone or with Spirulina combination efficiently improved most of these biochemical parameters and ameliorated cognitive abilities in castrated rats. Conclusions: Testosterone replacement either alone or in combination with Spirulina improved castration-induced metabolic, oxidative, and cognitive alterations.


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