Flaxseed Can Reduce Hypoxia-Induced Damages in Rat Testes

Introduction: Hypoxia is a common leading cause of detrimental effect on structure and function of tissue during increase in the production of reactive oxygen species that are generated during the re-oxygenation phase of intermittent continuous hypobaric hypoxia and contribute to physiological responses. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of flaxseed (Fx) in reducing the incidence of hypoxia in rat testes. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 24 adult Wistar rats were randomly studied in four groups: 1: Control group (Co) with normal oxygen and food, 2: Sham group (Sh) placed in hypoxia chamber with normal oxygen and food, 3: Hypoxia induction group (Hx) with normal food, 4: Hypoxia induction group (Hx+Fx) with 10% flaxseed food. Both the Hx and Hx+Fx groups were raised in a hypoxic chamber for 30 days such that the atmospheric pressure was kept reduced (Oxygen 8%, Nitrogen 92%) for 4 hours daily. Then, all animal were sacrificed and their testis was removed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were evaluated in the testis tissue. Tubular damages were examined using histological studies. Blood samples and sperm were collected to access IL-18 level and to sperms parameters, respectively. All data were analyzed using SPPSS-22 software. One way-ANOVA test or Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed for statistical analysis. Result: A significant difference was recorded in the testicular mass/body weight ratio in Hx and Hx+Fx groups in comparison to the Control (P=0.003 and P=0.027, respectively) and Sh (P=0.001 and P=0.009, respectively) groups. The sperm count and their motility in Hx+Fx group in comparison to the Hx group (P=0.0001, P=0.028, respectively) was meaningful and the sperm viability (P=0.0001) and abnormality (P=0.0001) in Hx+Fx group were significantly difference. Conclusion: This study therefore suggests that the oral flaxseed can be a useful agent for the prevention from the detrimental effect of hypoxia on rat testis structure and sperm parameters.