Eniola Adesanya

Nigeria

Fluted Pumpkin Seeds As A Potential Remedy For Trans-Fat Induced Reproductive Damage In Male Wistar Rats

Eniola Oluwatomisin Adesanya1, Ayodeji Joseph Ajibare2, Ini-Ibehe Okoko3

1. Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
2. Neuro-Reproductive and Metabolism Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
3. Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background

Male infertility is a global issue, affecting one in every seven couples, and it is impacted significantly by one’s environment, particularly one’s diet which plays a crucial role in determining the quality of sperm. This research investigates the impact of dietary trans-fats and the supplementation of fluted pumpkin seeds on male reproductive health.

Methods

Twenty male Wistar rats were allocated in groups of 5 each to one of the following: control, trans-fat diet only, trans-fat diet with 50 mg/kg fluted pumpkin seeds, and trans-fat diet with 150 mg/kg fluted pumpkin seeds. This was carried out for a total of 12 weeks. Hormones were analyzed, and sperm and tissue biochemical and histological studies were performed after blood, epididymal cauda, and testes samples were collected.

Results

The trans-fat diet from margarine caused a significant drop in body weight, sperm parameters, reproductive hormones, testicular histology, and oxidative stress markers which were negative, and it resulted in the absolute impairment of the parameters (p<0.05). The negative impact of both doses of supplementation with fluted pumpkin seeds was reversed, the 150 mg/kg dose showing the most potential. Conclusions Fluted pumpkin seed supplementation demonstrated protective effects against trans-fat-induced reproductive damage in male rats. These findings suggest fluted pumpkin seeds may serve as a natural dietary intervention to improve male fertility compromised by trans-fat consumption. Going forward, studies should look into the molecular mechanisms involved and the impact on fertilization outcomes.