Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract may precipitate infertility in male diabetic Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the Ocimum gratissimum (OG) effects on sperm quality and testicular cytoarchitecture in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. METHOD: Twenty male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were assigned into 4 groups (n=5) as A (control), B (OG), C (Dia) and D (Dia+OG). Groups A and B were normal animals receiving distilled water or OG (400 mg/kg), respectively while diabetes was induced by alloxan monohydrate (100 mg/kg) in groups C and D, followed by the administration of distilled water or OG, respectively for 28 days. Blood samples were obtained for fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fructosamine determination while, epididymis and testes were obtained for sperm quality assessment using computer-assisted sperm analyzer and testicular histomorphometry, respectively. Seminiferous tubule diameter and interstitial space distance were quantified in hematoxylin and eosin stained slides. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and student t-test at α0.05. RESULTS: Fructosamine and FBG were reduced in Dia+OG (80.11±3.80µmol/L and 132.0±8.41mg/dl, respectively) compared with Dia (139.66±4.29µmol/L and 285.6±26.69mg/dl, respectively). Sperm count was unchanged in Dia, but decreased in OG and Dia+OG; abnormal sperm cells increased in OG, Dia and Dia+OG. Mild vacuolation in the seminiferous tubule, disorganized germinal cells layer, arrested sperm maturation with empty spermatozoa in lumen, decreased seminiferous tubule diameter and increased interstitial space were found in the testes of OG, Dia and Dia+OG compared with control. CONCLUSION: Diabetes induces sperm impairments and distortions in testicular cytoarchitecture, which were aggravated by OG leaf extract in male Wistar rats.