Hyperstimulation of follicular cells using a goitrogen Propylthiouracil (PTU)
caused Subclinical Hypothyroidism (SCH) that was associated with disturbances
in adult male testicular functions. This work was carried out to study the
probable relationship between follicular cells in drug-induced hypothyroidism
caused by PTU and consequently its effect on testicular tissue and the possible
modulating effect of ginseng. The present work was carried out on 40 adult male
albino rats divided into four groups. Group I was the control group; Group II
(Ginseng treated); Group III (SCH group) rats and Group IV was the treated
group. Testes and thyroid glands were studied. Our results revealed the
protective role of Ginseng on testis and thyroid tissue of experimentally induced
hypothyroidism rat model.
Thyroid hormone plays an important role in testicular
development and function. It has been established that Triiodothyronine (T3)
regulates the maturation and growth of the testis, controlling Sertoli cells
and Leydig cell proliferation and differentiation during testicular development
in rats and other species. Subclinical Hypothyroidism (SCH) could be
considered as an elevated serum thyrotropic stimulating hormone (TSH) level
associated with normal Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) levels with no
clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism. This thyroid dysfunction occurs in 4-20%
of the adult population, the possibility of SCH progression to clinical
hypothyroidism is around 7% [2]. Hypothyroidism extremely affects reproductive
functions including fertility, pregnancy and postnatal development in human and
rat [3]. Rat SCH model was induced mostly by administration of antithyroid drug
mostly Propylthiouracil (PTU) and Methimazole (MMI). PTU is a
thiouracil-derived drug which can be used to treat hyperthyroidism through
lowering the amount of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland [5]. PTU
inhibits conversion of T4 to T3 causing hypothyroidism [6]. Ginseng is
considered as an aromatic herb that is commonly used in herbal medicine. It
contains saponins and high iodine content. Ginseng saponins, which are
known as ginsenosides, have been studied to be responsible for its medicinal
effects, specifically anticancer, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and
antistress effects. Ginseng benefits all the endocrine system, and therefore
the thyroid gland. As ginseng markedly increased epididymal sperm count,
motility and hyperactivation in mice. So, we studied its effect on the
testis and thyroid of SCH model.
Forty adult Westar male albino rats were used in this
experiment, each weighting 150-200gm. Food and water were provided ad libitum
and the rats were left for 7 days for acclimatization before use in the Anatomy
Department, Faculty of medicine, Menoufia University. All aspects of animal care
and treatment were carried out according to the local guidelines of the ethical
committee for animal research.
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