PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF PIPERINE ON ERTAPENEM-INDUCED TESTICULAR OXIDATIVE STRESS IN RATS
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The male reproductive system is highly susceptible to oxidative stress due to its rich content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and high metabolic activity. Ertapenem, a carbapenem antibiotic widely used in clinical settings for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, has been implicated in inducing organ toxicity, including reproductive dysfunction, potentially through oxidative pathways. This study investigates the protective effect of piperine, a bioactive compound from Piper nigrum (black pepper), against ertapenem-induced testicular oxidative damage in rats. The research focuses on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of piperine, assessing its role in preserving testicular structure, hormonal balance, and spermatogenic function. Mechanistically, piperine ability to enhance endogenous antioxidant defenses, reduce lipid peroxidation, and suppress pro-inflammatory mediators is explored.
Twenty-seven rats weighing between 150g-230g were used in this study. The rats were grouped into four (4) groups of seven animals each. Animals in group A (control) were administered with only distilled water. Group B animals (Ertapenem) were administered 0.5ml of Ertapenem. Group C animals (Piperine) were administered 0.5ml of 10mg/kg Piperine. Animals in group D (Ertapenem + Piperine) were administered 0.5ml of 16.7mg/kg Ertapenem and 1.0ml of piperine. Administration lasted for two weeks and the rats were sacrificed.
The study further evaluates relevant biomarkers of testicular function and oxidative stress. Findings aim to bridge the existing knowledge gap regarding reproductive side effects of ertapenem and highlight the potential of piperine as a natural therapeutic agent to mitigate drug-induced testicular toxicity. This work underscores the importance of integrating phytomedicine with conventional antibiotic therapy to ensure reproductive safety in male patients.
The results from this study indicated that Ertapenem induced oxidative stress in the testes and negatively affected spermatogenesis as seen in the increase in the percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology and normal morphology in Pendimethalin 93.07% and 98.61% respectively when compared to the control group (p
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