The effect of coadministration of vitamin D and tramadol on serum kisspeptin, testosterone, oxidative stress levels and testicular histology in Wistar rats: a preliminary report

Efecto de la coadministración de vitamina D y tramadol en los niveles de kisspeptina, testosterona, estrés oxidativo en suero y la histología testicular en ratas Wistar: un informe preliminar

Background: Tramadol, an opioid analgesic, is known to induce testicular damage and impair reproductive parameters. Vitamin D3, recognized for its antioxidant and protective properties, might offer a potential protective effect against tramadol-induced testicular damage. This study observed the effects of co-administration of vitamin D3 and tramadol on serum kisspeptin levels, testicular histology, semen parameters, testosterone levels, and oxidative stress markers in male rats. Methods: Fifteen male rats weighing between 150 and 250 g were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5 per group). Group A was the control, receiving only distilled water. Group B was administered 20 mg/kg body weight of tramadol daily, while group C received both 20 mg/kg body weight of tramadol and 25 µg/kg body weight of vitamin D3 daily. The treatments were administered orally for 14 days. Post-administration body weight, relative testicular weight, serum kisspeptin levels, semen parameters, testosterone levels and oxidative stress markers (catalase, glutathione and malonaldehyde) were measured. Testicular histology was also examined using photomicrography. Results: No significant differences were observed in body weights, relative testicular weights, serum kisspeptin levels, semen parameters, testosterone levels, or oxidative stress markers among the experimental groups (p > 0.05). Histological analysis in the tramadol-treated group exhibited significant degradation of spermatozoa, which was not mitigated by vitamin D3 co-administration compared to the control group. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that vitamin D3 supplementation does not significantly ameliorate tramadol-induced testicular damage. There is a need for further research with varied doses and longer durations to further explore the potential protective mechanisms of vitamin D3.

Resumen

Antecedentes: El tramadol, un analgésico opioide, es conocido por inducir daño testicular y afectar parámetros reproductivos. La vitamina D3, reconocida por sus propiedades antioxidantes y protectoras, podría ofrecer un efecto protector potencial contra el daño testicular inducido por tramadol. Este estudio observó los efectos de la coadministración de vitamina D3 y tramadol en los niveles séricos de kisspeptina, la histología testicular, los parámetros de semen, los niveles de testosterona y los marcadores de estrés oxidativo en ratas macho. Métodos: Quince ratas macho con un peso entre 150 y 250 g fueron divididas aleatoriamente en tres grupos (n = 5 por grupo). El Grupo A fue el control, recibiendo solo agua destilada. Al Grupo B se le administró 20 mg/kg de peso corporal de tramadol diariamente, mientras que el Grupo C recibió tanto 20 mg/kg de peso corporal de tramadol como 25 µg/kg de peso corporal de vitamina D3 diariamente. Los tratamientos se administraron por vía oral durante 14 días. Se midieron el peso corporal posterior a la administración, el peso testicular relativo, los niveles séricos de kisspeptina, los parámetros de semen, los niveles de testosterona y los marcadores de estrés oxidativo (catalasa, glutatión y malonaldehído). También se examinó la histología testicular mediante fotomicrografía. Resultados: No se observaron diferencias significativas en el peso corporal, el peso testicular relativo, los niveles séricos de kisspeptina, los parámetros de semen, los niveles de testosterona o los marcadores de estrés oxidativo entre los grupos experimentales (p > 0.05). El análisis histológico en el grupo tratado con tramadol mostró una degradación significativa de los espermatozoides, que no fue mitigada por la coadministración de vitamina D3 en comparación con el grupo control. Conclusiones: El estudio demuestra que la suplementación con vitamina D3 no mejora significativamente el daño testicular inducido por tramadol. Es necesario realizar más investigaciones con dosis variadas y duraciones más prolongadas para explorar mejor los posibles mecanismos protectores de la vitamina D3.

Tramadol; Vitamin D; Semen analysis; Reproductive toxicity; Oxidative stress; Kisspeptin; Testosterone

Palabras Clave

Tramadol; Vitamina D; Análisis de semen; Toxicidad reproductiva; Estrés oxidativo; Kisspeptina; Testosterona

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