P-44: Effects of Nano Zinc Oxide Supplementation on Testicular Oxidative Stress in Adult Male Rats Exposed to Endurance Exercise

Background: Physical activity has a range of effects on male reproductive function depending upon the intensity and duration of the activity. Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the protective effects of nano zinc oxide on endurance exercise induced testicular oxidative stress, 30 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following groups: control group (n=10); exercised group (n=10); and exercised supplemented group (n=10). A protocol of 60 minutes exercise per day, five days per week was followed for 8 weeks. In supplemented group nano zinc oxide was supplied intraperitoneally at a dose of 1 mg/ kg/day five days per week followed for 8 weeks. Results: No significant differences were observed in weight of testis and prostate, seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal epithelium height between experimental groups. Weight of epididymis and seminal vesicle, testicular content of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were declined significantly in rats of exercised group. Moreover, significant elevation was observed in content of malondialdehyde in exercised group. Conclusion: Nano zinc oxide supplementation in exposed rats showed less oxidative damage and restored the reproductive parameters to the control level. It can be concluded that endurance exercise induced oxidative stress causes dysfunctions in the male reproductive system, which can be protected by nano zinc oxide supplementation.