Kiss1 gene expression, sperm indices and testicular histopathology following the administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa in rats

• Published in: JBRA assisted reproduction 2023, Vol.27 (2), p.226-233
• Main Authors: Okafor, Izuchukwu Azuka, Okafor, Uchenna Somtochukwu, Nweke, Johnson Okwudili, Ibeabuchi, Kingsley Chinemerem
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioassays; Blood; Cancer; Drug dosages; Gene expression; Laboratory animals; Metastasis; Original; Phytochemicals; Proteins; Puberty; Sperm
• ISSN: 1518-0557; 1517-5693; 1518-0557
• DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20220029

This study investigated the expression of Kiss1 gene on the testis and the blood of Wistar rats, following the administration of methanolic extract of Hibiscus Sabdariffa (MEHS). Fifteen (15) rats with an average weight of 204g were randomly divided into three (3) groups (A-C). Group A was given no treatment and served as the normal control group. Groups B and C were orally administered 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of MEHS, respectively. The extract was administered once a day for 21 days. There was a significant increase in the relative testicular weight in group B and C compared to the control group (p=0.035). There was no significant difference in the sperm parameters, reproductive hormones, and antioxidant levels in all the treatment groups when compared to the control group (p>0.05). There is a significantly lower expression intensity of the Kiss1 gene in the blood in groups B (p=0.000) and C (p=0.017), compared to the control group. There is no difference in the relative intensity of Kiss1 gene expression in the testis of all the experimental groups (p=0.173). MEHS caused no histopathological changes on the testis at both doses. MEHS shows the potential of downregulating the expression of the Kiss1 gene in the blood. However, this effect lacks a regulatory mechanism on the reproductive hormones, sperm parameters, testicular morphology, and antioxidative levels.