Comparative Effects of L-Carnitine and T-Bhq on Reproductive Hormone Dysregulation in Alcohol-Exposed Wistar Rats

Background: Reproductive dysfunction has been linked to chronic alcoholism, especially due to oxidative stress. Antioxidants like L-carnitine and tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) could mitigate alcohol-induced reproductive toxicity, but their comparative effects are understudied. This study compared the effects of l-carnitine and t-BHQ on reproductive hormone dysregulation in alcohol-exposed Wistar rats. Methodology: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n=5): control, alcohol-only, alcohol+L-carnitine, alcohol+tBHQ, alcohol+L-carnitine+tBHQ, L-carnitine-only, and tBHQ-only. Alcohol was administered orally (2 g/kg/day), L-carnitine (100 mg/kg/day), and tBHQ (50 mg/kg/day) for 60 days. At the end of the experimental period, serum testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 5-α reductase, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were assayed. Results: Alcohol exposure significantly reduced testosterone (from 10.33 ng/ mL in the control group to 1.12 ng/mL) while significantly increasing the levels of DHT (59.67 pg/Ml to 1237.67 pg/mL), 5-α reductase (91.83 pg/mL to 698.33 pg/mL), LH (26.83 mIU/mL to 64.50 mIU/mL) and FSH (2.98 mIU/mL to 18.33 mIU/mL). L-carnitine and tBHQ independently restored testosterone to above-control levels (16.67 and 17.33 ng/mL, respectively), with their co-administration yielded much more increase. Both agents significantly reduced alcohol-induced increase in DHT and 5-α reductase, with tBHQ exerting a stronger suppressive effect. Similarly, LH and FSH concentrations were normalized toward control values following treatment. Conclusion: Results shows that L-carnitine and tBHQ mitigated hormone dysregulation in male Wistar rats caused by excessive alcohol exposure. These findings suggest that L-carnitine preserves mitochondrial integrity to sustain steroidogenesis, while tBHQ more effectively modulates enzyme activity and oxidative stress in the testes.