The protective effect of bromelain on testicular dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by REM sleep deprivation in adult male rats

Male infertility is a significant global health concern, with sleep deprivation emerging as a potential contributing factor due to its impact on oxidative stress and reproductive function. This study investigates the protective effects of bromelain, a natural anti-inflammatory enzyme, on testicular dysfunction induced by Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation in adult male rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into control, REM sleep-deprived (REM-dep), and REM-deprived with bromelain treatment (REM-dep+Br) groups. REM sleep deprivation was induced for a 21-day period using the flower pot technique, with concurrent oral administration of bromelain (200 mg/kg) throughout this period. Finally, sperm parameters, testicular stereology, antioxidant markers (Nrf-2, γ-GCS, and GSH), and inflammatory/apoptotic markers (TNF-α, and Caspase-3) were evaluated across study groups. REM sleep deprivation significantly reduced sperm count, motility (total, and progressive), and normal morphology while increasing DNA fragmentation compared to control group. Testicular stereology revealed decreased spermatogenic cells, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and Johnsen scores. Bromelain administration significantly improved total sperm motility, increased spermatid numbers, and restored Leydig cell counts compared to REM-dep group. Antioxidant markers (Nrf-2, γ-GCS, GSH) were significantly reduced in the REM-dep group but restored with bromelain treatment. Immunohistochemistry showed elevated TNF-α and Caspase-3 expression in the REM-dep group, which was mitigated by bromelain administration. These findings suggest that REM sleep deprivation induces testicular dysfunction through oxidative stress and inflammation, while bromelain exerts protective effects via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study highlights bromelain as a potential protective /therapeutic agent for mitigating sleep deprivation-induced male reproductive dysfunction.