Examining the detrimental effects of cassava effluent on the seminal vesicles of male albino Wistar rats

This research investigated the detrimental effects of cassava effluent on the seminal vesicles of male albino Wistar rats. Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is an edible tuberous root that is a drought-tolerant, staple food crop grown in tropical and subtropical areas. Cassava contains cyanide compounds. Cyanide is a highly toxic compound that contains carbon and nitrogen. A total of twenty (20) male albino Wistar rats, weighing between 113_g and 203_g, were used for this research. The animals were sourced from the Animal House of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo and acclimatised for two (2) weeks before the start of the experiment. For this research, a maximum of four (4) animals per cage across five (5) groups were assigned. Garri and fufu effluents were administered orally. Rats in Group I received normal diet and tap water; Group II rats were given 20_ml/kg of garri effluent; Group III rats received 10_ml/kg of garri effluent; Group IV rats were given 20_ml/kg of fufu effluent and Group V rats were given 10_ml/kg of fufu effluent. Seminal vesicles underwent detailed tissue processing and stained with H&E. Statistical analysis employed one-way ANOVA using GraphPadPrism (version 8.0). The results indicated that the final body weight of both the treated and control groups was significantly (P<0.05) higher than their initial weight. A significant increase in weight was observed in the rats that received 10 ml/kg of garri effluent. Additionally, the results revealed a significant and dose-dependent decrease in the serum levels of progesterone and estrogen across all experimental groups following the administration of cassava effluent, with a prominent decrease occurring in the groups treated with garri effluent. Histopathological analysis revealed cyanide-induced damage including focal degeneration of the folded epithelium, atrophied lumen due to the focal degeneration of the epithelium, detachment of the folded epithelium from the base and hypertrophy of smooth muscle. These findings demonstrate the harmful effects of cyanide-rich cassava effluent on seminal vesicle health, highlighting potential reproductive risks. This study emphasizes the need for safer cassava processing methods and awareness about the toxicological impacts of cyanide exposure for enhanced reproduction health.