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International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 8, Issue 4, April 2018 308
ISSN 2250-3153
http://dx.doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.8.4.2018.p7642 www.ijsrp.org
Hibiscus Sabdarrifa L. Anthocyanins-Induced Changes
in Reproductive Hormones of Cadmium-Exposed Rats
O. C. Orororo., S. O. Asagba., N. J. Tonukari., O. J. Okandeji., J. J. Mbanugo
Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
DOI: 10.29322/IJSRP.8.4.2018.p7642
http://dx.doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.8.4.2018.p7642
Abstract- Hibiscus sabdarrifa L. extracts contain powerful
antioxidants that can ameliorate Cadmium (Cd)-induced
reproductive toxicity, though the active molecules responsible
have not been categorically stated. This study is therefore aimed
at exploring changes induced by H. sabdariffa L anthocyanins
(HSA) in reproductive hormones of cadmium-exposed rats.
Twenty four adult male wistar rats (185±5.2g) were randomly
divided into four groups and where treated for 15 days: A:
control, B: Cd alone, 3mg/kg b wt, C: HSA alone, 3mg/kg b wt,
Group 4: HSA Pre-CD: HSA (3g/ kg b wt for ten consecutive
days) and Cd (3mg/ kg b wt) for five days. Comparison of the
serum testosterone level of the control group with that of the Cd
alone group showed a significant reduction (P<0.05) in the level
of serum testosterone but the administration of HSA before Cd
exposure significantly reverted the decrease in serum
testosterone. Conversely, there was significant increase (P<0.05)
in the level of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) after
cadmium administration (Group C) compared to animals in the
control group (Group A) and those maintained on only H.
sabdariffa anthocyanin alone. This decrease in serum follicle
stimulating hormone (FSH) occasioned by Cd exposure was
significantly (P<0.05) reversed by the administration of H.
sabdariffa anthocyanin before Cd exposure. This was also
observed for Luteinizing hormone. The results confirm the
reproductive toxicity of Cd and the reported antioxidant
capacities of anthocyanins. In addition, it gives credence to
prominent role attributed to HSA in the antioxidant prowess of
H. Sabdarriffa extracts.
Index Terms- Antioxidants, testosterone, follicle stimulating
hormone, Oxidative Stress, Anthocyanins
I. INTRODUCTION
admium (Cd) is a toxic metal to which the general
population is exposed via cigarette smoke, industrial
products such as batteries, paints, etc and through vegetables and
other agricultural products [1, 2]. Cd’s toxicity is aggravated by
its relatively long half-life and its ability to accumulate in vital
human tissues like kidney, liver and testis, where it causes
damages [3]. The testis is very sensitive to Cd and as such d has
been implicated in the rising cases of infertility among industrial
workers and in the general population [4-8]. Cd reproductive
toxicity is manifested via Cd-induced oxidative stress and is seen
in reduction of testis weight and histopathological lesions leading
to reduced sperm counts and impaired sperm motility [9]. Cd
being a known endocrine disruptor disrupts the normal function
of reproductive hormones which produce and maintain the
secondary sexual characteristics of the male and also stimulate
sperm production [10,11].
Since Cd’s reproductive toxicity is mediated through
oxidative stress via increase in reactive oxygen species is,
administration of vitamins, lipids, flavonoids and other
molecules with antioxidant properties have been shown to
ameliorate Cd-induced testicular damage [12-14]. In this regard,
researchers have noted the ability of plant pigments such as
anthocyanins as antioxidant against Cd toxicity [15-18].
Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn, also known as roselle, is an
herbaceous crop native to Central and West Africa and has been
reported to contain organic acids, anthocyanins, polysaccharides
and flavonoids with potent antioxidant properties [19-20].
Extracts of this plant have long been in use in folk medicine to
treat cases of infertility, high blood pressure, and fever [21]
though the main active molecules responsible for its effects have
not been categorically stated. This study is therefore aimed at
exploring the possible changes induced by H. sabdariffa L
anthocyanins in reproductive hormones of cadmium-exposed
rats.
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
A. Chemicals:
Reagents of analytical grade were used in this study.
Cadmium Chloride, methanol, trichloroacetic acid, acetonitrile
and sodium chloride were purchased from Lobal Chemic
Laboratory Regents and Fine Chemicals, Mumbai – India.
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) Assay kits for serum testosterone,
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH were products of
Biocheck Ltd (UK).
B. Plant Material:
Fresh calyces of H. Sabdariffa L. were dried under
continuous air-flow maintained at room temperature until
constant weight was achieved.
C. Extraction and Purification H. sabdariffa
anthocyanins:
Anthocyanins were extracted from H. sabdariffa calyces
according to the method of Hong and Wrolstad [22] as described
by Orororo et al., [23].
C
International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 8, Issue 4, April 2018 309
ISSN 2250-3153
http://dx.doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.8.4.2018.p7642 www.ijsrp.org
D. Experimental animals and Experimental Design:
Twenty four (24) adult male wistar rats (185±5.2g) were
randomly divided into four treatment groups and where treated
for 15 days: Group A: control, B: Cd alone, 3mg/kg b wt, C:
HSA alone, 3mg/kg b wt, Group D: HSA Pre-CD: HSA (3g/ kg b
wt for ten consecutive days) and Cd (3mg/ kg b wt) for five days.
At the end of the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed by
cervical dislocation and blood samples were obtained by cardiac
puncture into heparinized bottles and centrifuged at 3000g for 10
min. Sera collected was stored frozen until used for biochemical
analysis.
E. Biochemical Assays:
Serum FSH, LH and testosterone were measured based on
the principle of solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
(ELISA) using Biochek test kit.
F. Analysis of Data:
Results obtained in the study were presented as Mean ±
SD. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The one-way
analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized in comparing the
degree of significance of different parameters estimated and the
difference between mean were considered to be significant at p<
0.05
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Fig.1: H. sabdariffa anthocyanins-induced changes in serum
testosterone of Cd-exposed rats. Groups: A (Control), B (Cd),
C (Anthocyanin), D (Anthocyanin Pre-Cd). Values with different
alphabetic superscripts differ significantly (P<0.05)
Fig.2: H. sabdariffa anthocyanins-induced changes in serum
FSH of Cd-exposed rats. Groups: A (Control), B (Cd), C
(Anthocyanin), D (Anthocyanin Pre-Cd). Values with different
alphabetic superscripts differ significantly (P<0.05)
Fig.3: H. sabdariffa anthocyanins-induced changes in serum
LH of Cd-exposed rats. Groups: A (Control), B (Cd), C
(Anthocyanin), D (Anthocyanin Pre-Cd). Values with different
alphabetic superscripts differ significantly (P<0.05)
H. sabdariffa anthocyanins-induced changes in the
hormones of Cd-exposed rats is shown in Fig 1-3. Comparison of
the serum testosterone level of the control group with that of the
Cd alone group showed a significant reduction (P<0.05) in the
level of serum testosterone. The results indicated that Cd
administration lowered the level of serum testosterone and also
showed that the administration of H. sabdariffa anthocyanin
before Cd exposure significantly reverted the decrease in serum
testosterone. Conversely, there was significant increase (P<0.05)
in the level of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) after
cadmium administration (Group C) compared to animals in the
control group (Group A) and those maintained on only H.
sabdariffa anthocyanin alone . This decrease in serum follicle
stimulating hormone (FSH) occasioned by Cd exposure was
significantly (P<0.05) reversed by the administration of H.
sabdariffa anthocyanin before Cd exposure. This was also
observed for Luteinizing hormone (fig. 3), and points to the
antioxidant potentials of HSA.
International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 8, Issue 4, April 2018 310
ISSN 2250-3153
http://dx.doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.8.4.2018.p7642 www.ijsrp.org
Increase in plasma levels of FSH after cadmium administration
observed in this study could be attributed to the bioaccumulation
of cadmium in the testis and is consistent with the findings of
[24] who noted that through its effect on Sertoli cell activity, Cd
decreases inhibin (the main inhibitory signal for FSH secretion)
synthesis and release thereby causing increase in the plasma
levels of FSH. This is in line with the changes observed by [25]
and [26]. FSH, a pituitary glycoprotein, affects the sertoli cells to
stimulate and initiate germ cell number and also enhance the
production of androgens by the Leydig cells [27]). FSH also
plays a significant role in the maturational stages of spermatozoa.
Orisakwe et al., [28], Brian et al., [29] and Omotuyi et al., [30]
previously reported that extracts of H. sabdariffa calyces are rich
in phytoestrogens and thus possess estrogenic effects which
reduces serum testosterone levels. Interesting, this was not
observed in this study and it can be attributed to the difference in
the extracts. Aqueous extracts used in those studies probably
content other bio molecules responsible for the estrogenic effects
unlike the purified HSA used in this study. In consonance with
the results of this study is the work of Fadairo et al., [31] who
reported the protective effect of whole and anthocyanin-free
aqueous extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on Cadmium-induced
changes in serum reproductive hormones of Wistar Rats. Again,
Ajiboye et al., [32] attributed this effect of Roselle calyx extract
to its anthocyanins, a claim supported by the results of this study.
IV. CONCLUSION
This study is a confirmation of the reproductive toxicity of
Cd as all the hormones assayed were significantly altered by
exposure to Cd. However, the pre-treatment of Cd-exposed rats
with HSA significantly normalized reproductive hormones. This
effect of HSA is not unconnected with the reported antioxidant
capacities of anthocyanins. The results of this study also gives
credence to prominent role attributed to HSA in the antioxidant
prowess of H. Sabdarriffa extracts.
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AUTHORS
First author; O. C. Orororo (Ph.D), Department of
Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, E-mail:
osuvwec@yahoo.com
Second Author; S. O. Asagba (Prof), Department of
Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, Email:
asagbabch@yahoo.com
Third Author; N. J. Tonukari (Prof), Department of
Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, Email:
tonukari@gmail.com
Fourth Author; O. J. Okandeji. (M.Sc), Department of
Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria, Email:
ovo_okans@yahoo.com
J. J. Mbanugo (M.Sc), Department of Biochemistry, Delta State
University, Abraka, Nigeria, Email: Johnbusco@yahoo.com
Corresponding author:
osuvwec@yahoo.com +2348062306783