The effects of dietary Buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa) supplementation on rat reproductive function

Abstract

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of different conditions including male infertility. OS is caused by high amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that exceed the antioxidant ability of a system. The sperm membrane is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and is prone to damage by ROS. Sperm damage decreases motility, concentration and viability. Testicular oxidative stress impairs Leydig cell function and leads to decreased hormonal control as the cells secrete testosterone. Studies have shown the role of antioxidants in the fight against OS. Recently more studies have been focused on the use of natural antioxidants derived from fruits, vegetables, nuts and oils for this purpose. The effects of Buriti oil supplementation have been investigated in the diet and it had been shown that it is rich in carotenoids and vitamin E. This study explored the antioxidant effects of Buriti oil on testicular tissue, epidymal tissue and hormonal function in male Wistar rats. Experiments were conducted for 6 weeks and male adult Wistar rats (10 weeks) were divided into two groups (n=30) for each group. The control group received standard rat chow and water while the experimental group received Buriti oil, rat chow and water daily. Both groups were exposed to natural physiological OS. The plasma, testicular and epididymal tissue samples of both groups were analysed for various parameters. Testicular weight and epididymal weight of rats fed with Buriti oil were significantly increased compared to the control group. Testicular and epididymal MDA levels were decreased in rats fed with Buriti oil compared to the control group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) activities were increased in both epididymal and testicular tissue of the Buriti oil fed group than the control group. Data were expressed in mean ± SEM. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Buriti oil supplementation could prevent OS damage in the male reproductive system.