Arjunolic acid reverses fluoxetine-induced alterations in testicular steroidogenic enzymes and membrane bound ionic pump imbalance through suppression of oxido-inflammatory stress and apoptosis.

Objective: The impact of the anti-depressant therapy on gonadal function has been recognized and discussed over the years. However, data to supplement our understanding of the impact of arjunolic acid (AA) therapies in protecting against FXT-induced gonadal dysfunction is lacking clear scientific evidence. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the possible effect of AA on fluoxetine-induced altered testicular function in rats.

Methods: After 14 days acclimatization, Thirty-six (36) adult male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=6). Rats in groups 1 received normal saline (10mL/kg); groups 2 & 3 were given AA (1.0mg/kg body weight) and AA (2.0mg/kg body weight), respectively; whereas, rats in group 4 were given FXT (10mg/kg/p.o/day), and groups 5 & 6 were given a combination of FXT (10mg/kg) + AA (1.0mg/kg body weight); and FXT (10mg/kg) + AA (2.0mg/kg body weight), respectively.

Results: The results shows that FXT significantly altered testicular steroidogenic enzymes (3ß-HSD and 17ß-HSD) and proton pump ATPase (Na+/K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase and H+ ATPase) activities, as well as testicular architecture when compared with controls. More so, FXT caused oxido-inflammation and apoptosis, as evidence by increases in MDA, MPO, TNF-α, IL-1ß, Caspase 3 and p53. However, AA at a different dose significantly ameliorated the destructive impacts of FXT on steroidogenic enzymes, proton pump ATPase as well as increased Bcl-2, SOD, CAT, GSH and improved testicular architecture in rats.

Conclusions: AA reverses fluoxetine-induced alterations in testicular steroidogenic enzymes and membrane-bound ionic pump through suppression of oxido-inflammatory stress and apoptosis.