Effects of vitamin E and melatonin on serum testosterone level in sleep deprived Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Sleep deprivation affects a significant proportion of the global population. It has been reported to induce oxidative stress in the testes and reduce serum testosterone levels. Exogenous anti-oxidants have been known to prevent damages and diseases associated with oxidative stress but there is dearth of knowledge on their effectiveness during sleep deprivation. Aim: This study was designed to investigate the effects of two anti-oxidants; melatonin and vitamin E on serum testosterone concentration in sleep deprived male Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty (30) male Wistar rats were used for this study. Animals were divided into six (6) groups (n=5). Group 1 was the control, group 2 rats were sleep deprived, group 3 received vitamin E (200mg/ kg bwt) only, group 4 rats received vitamin E and were sleep deprived, group 5 received melatonin only (10mg/kg bwt), and group 6 rats received melatonin (10mg/kg bwt) and were sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation was induced using the modified multiple platform technique. Body weights were taken on days 7, 14 and 21. Blood was collected at sacrifice and serum was obtained for analyses of testosterone, corticosterone and melatonin. Testicular malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and catalase levels were determined by the methods of Adam-Vizi and Seregi (1982), Misra and Fridovich (1972), and Sinha, (1972) respectively. Data obtained were analyzed using one way ANOVA and p<0.005 was considered significant