Effect of Tramadol Hydrochloride on the Testis of Adult Male Albino Rats and the Possible Ameliorating Role of L-carnitine
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Abstract
Background:Tramadol is painkiller medication acting on the central nervous system, but its abuse has harmful effects on the testes. L-carnitine (LC) is an amino acid derivative with antioxidant properties.
Objective: the aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effects of L-Carnitinein rats induced testicular toxicity by Tramadol.
Materials and Methods:Fourty adult male rats divided into four experimental groups were enrolled in this study (10 rats/each) as follows: Group I (control group): received 0.1 ml of physiological saline solution. Group II (tramadol group): received Tramadol 40 mg/kg/ body weight (B.W) daily orally for 4 weeks. Group III (tramadol withdrawal group): received Tramadol 40 mg/kg.b.w daily orally then kept without treatment for another 4 weeks. Group IV (tramadol + L.carnitine group): received Tramadol 40 mg/kg body weight plusL-Carnitine350 mg/kg.bworally daily by intragastric gavage for 4 week. Blood specimen were obtained for estimation of Serum levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol and testosterone. Rats were sacrificed, testicular specimens were prepared for assay of tissue levels of MDA, GSH and light microscopic examination and biochemical studies. Data were collected, recorded and statically analyzed.
Results:Tramadol-treated group showed severe destruction of the testicular structure in which many seminiferous tubules were degenerated in addition to, congestion of blood vessels in the interstitium. But, in group IV (Tramadol– L-Carnitine treated group) showed more or lessrestoration of normal testicular structure. Serum LH, FSHand testosterone hormones levels were significantly decreased in all treated group compared to control group while serum levels of estradiol and prolactin were significantly increased in all treated group compared to control group, the L.carnitin administration showed antioxidant, antiapoptotic and antifibrotic activities .
Conclusion:Tramadol consumption resulted in testicular damage, which can be alleviated by taking L. carnitine alongside with tramadol treatment.