P-78: Effects of Endurance Exercise on Reproductive and Oxidative Parameters in Adult Male Rats

Background: In order to investigate the effects of endurance exercise on male reproductive function in relation to oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: a total of 20 male wistar rats were randomly divided into the following groups: control group (n=10) and exercised group (n=10). A protocol of 60 minutes exercise per day, five days per week was followed for 8 weeks. At the end of experiment reproductive organs weight was recorded and following tissue processing morphometric and oxidative parameters of testis evaluated. Results: There were no significant differences in weight of testis and prostate, seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal epithelium height between experimental groups. Significant decreases were observed in weight of epididymis and seminal vesicle in rats of exercised group.Conclusion: Endurance exercise significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with a significant decrease in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the testis of male rats. It can be concluded that endurance exercise induced oxidative stress causes dysfunctions in the male reproductive system.