Protective effects of encapsulated Pediococcus acidilactici against cholestasis-induced testicular damage in an experimental rat model

Background: Probiotics, such as Pediococcus acidilactici (P. acidilactici), are known for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, since probiotics are primarily consumed orally, their viability can be compromised by the acidic environment and active enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Encapsulation techniques can enhance probiotic viability within the GIT, thereby increasing their effectiveness. Several studies suggest that probiotics may exert protective effects against biliary acid-induced oxidative stress in testicular tissue, potentially improving sperm parameters and fertilityObjectives: This experimental study aimed to evaluate the effects of encapsulated P. acidilactici on oxidative status, sperm parameters, and testicular histological characteristics in a rat model of liver cholestasis.Methods: This experimental study involved 48 male Wistar rats divided into six groups: normal control (NC), sham-operated control (SHC), biliary duct ligation control (BDL), BDL with non-encapsulated P. acidilactici (NonEn-PA), BDL with APC microcapsules without P. acidilactici (APC-only), and BDL with encapsulated P. acidilactici (En-PA). The rats received their respective treatments for one week prior to cholestasis induction and continued for three weeks afterward. Following treatment, all rats were euthanized, and blood and testicular samples were collected. Blood plasma was analyzed for sex hormone levels, while testicular tissues were examined for oxidant/antioxidant status, sperm parameters, and histological features. Data are expressed as means ± standard deviation, with p-values ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.Results: Rats treated with encapsulated P. acidilactici exhibited a significant increase in sperm count (155±26.9×106) compared to the BDL control group (99.8±36×106). Additionally, sperm viability improved from a mean of 25.8% to 43% with treatment, while sperm abnormalities decreased from a mean of 88.3% to 67.2% (P≤0.05). Encapsulated P. acidilactici also demonstrated protective effects on testicular tissue characteristics and sex hormone levels; for instance, testosterone levels increased from 6.59±0.59 to 10.25±2.85 (P≤0.05).Conclusion: Our findings indicate that P. acidilactici may play a beneficial role in alleviating male infertility by enhancing sperm count and viability while reducing oxidative damage in testicular tissue. Furthermore, the encapsulation of probiotics using polysaccharides appears to enhance their effectiveness.