Vitamin E Mitigates MDMA-Induced Reproductive Damage in Mice
Researchers from Urmia University of Medical Sciences and Urmia University, Iran, published this study in the International Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction, investigating Vitamin E's protective effects against MDMA-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice.
- MDMA exposure leads to reproductive toxicity, evidenced by decreased sperm count, motility, viability, and increased DNA damage in male mice.
- Vitamin E supplementation counteracts MDMA-induced oxidative stress, restoring antioxidant capacity and improving sperm parameters.
- Lipid peroxidation marker (MDA) levels increased with MDMA exposure, indicating oxidative damage, which Vitamin E effectively reduced.
- Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) decreased due to MDMA, while Vitamin E administration restored TAC levels.
Overview
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly known as ecstasy, is a psychoactive drug widely abused by young individuals. Its consumption has been linked to various health issues, including reproductive toxicity. This study aimed to assess the protective effects of Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, against MDMA-induced damages in sperm parameters of male mice.
Methodology
Twenty-eight male albino mice were randomly assigned to four groups:
- Control Group: Received saline via gastric gavage and intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection.
- MDMA Group: Administered MDMA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and saline by gastric gavage.
- MDMA + Vitamin E Group: Received MDMA (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and Vitamin E (150 mg/kg) by gastric gavage.
- Olive Oil Group: Given virgin olive oil (150 mg/kg) by gastric gavage and saline i.p.
MDMA was injected once daily, three consecutive days per week, for five weeks. Post-treatment, blood samples were collected, and the animals were sacrificed to analyze sperm parameters, including count, motility, viability, DNA damage, nuclear maturation, and morphology.
Results
Sperm Parameters:
- Count and Motility: The MDMA group exhibited a significant decrease in sperm count and motility compared to the control. Vitamin E supplementation in the MDMA + Vitamin E group significantly improved these parameters.
- Viability and Morphology: MDMA exposure reduced sperm viability and increased abnormal morphology. Vitamin E administration ameliorated these adverse effects.
- DNA Damage: A significant increase in sperm DNA damage was observed in the MDMA group, which was notably reduced with Vitamin E treatment.
Oxidative Stress Markers:
- Malondialdehyde (MDA): Elevated MDA levels, indicative of lipid peroxidation, were found in the MDMA group. Vitamin E supplementation effectively reduced MDA levels.
- Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC): MDMA exposure decreased TAC, while Vitamin E administration restored it to levels comparable to the control group.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that MDMA induces oxidative stress, leading to significant impairments in sperm quality and function. Vitamin E, due to its antioxidant properties, effectively mitigates these deleterious effects, suggesting its potential as a protective agent against MDMA-induced reproductive toxicity.
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