Histological study of the possible protective effect of Omega-3 fatty acids on diclofenac sodium- induced testicular toxicity in adult male albino rats

Background: Diclofenac sodium (DS), is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of inflammation, pain, and fever. Chronic administration can cause renal, hepatic, and reproductive damage. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the potential protective role of omega-3 fatty acids on testicular toxicity triggered by DS in adult albino rats.Materials &Methods: 32 mature male albino rats having an average weight between 180- 200 g were included in our study. They were allocated equally into four groups (N= 8 for each): Control group (Gp I), Gp II each rat received 10 mg/ kg of DS daily via oral gavage for 2 weeks, Gp III rats received 20 mg/ kg of Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA) orally for 2 weeks and Gp IV rats were given Diclofenac sodium with co-administration of ω- 3 FA orally daily in the same mentioned doses for 2 weeks. On day 15, blood samples were withdrawn to assess total testosterone levels. Sperm parameters were evaluated. Testicular specimens were subjected to biochemical analysis of oxidative stress markers: Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, reduced glutathione and Catalase activity. Specimens were histologically evaluated using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), PCNA immunohistochemical stains and Periodic acid Schiff reaction (PAS) stain.Results: Following DS treatment, the standard histological architecture of the testes was disrupted, resulting in a substantial drop in mean testosterone values and sperm parameters. Whilst rats in Gp IV revealed nearly restoration of the normal histological structure, with a significant improvement in sperm and biochemical parameters. Conclusion: Co-administration of ω-3 FA and diclofenac protects the testicular architecture from tissue damage resulting from chronic use of DS a lone in rats.