Reprotoxicological Ameliorating Effect of Camel Milk against Aflatoxicosis in Male Rats

Abstract

This study was performed to cover the toxic effects of aflatoxin B1 on the reproductive system in male rats and to evaluate the improving effects of camel milk. A total of 120 adult male rats (aged at 90 days) were randomly assigned into four groups (30 rats each); control (C), received distilled water, camel milk group (Cm), received camel milk (10 ml/kg bw/day), Aflatoxin group (Af), received AfB1 (0.3 mg/kg bw/day), and combination treated group (CmAf), received camel milk and AfB1 for 42 days. At days 21 and 42 of the experiment, 10 males from each group were weighted, anesthetized, and blood samples were collected for assessment of the serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone (T). Epididymis tails were dissected for evaluating the semen quality. Pituitary and testicular tissue samples were obtained for analysis the gene expression levels of pituitary FSHβ and LHβ and testicular FSHR and LHR. The remaining 10 males, from each group, were matted with experienced females to evaluate the fertility index. Significant (p˂0.05) reductions of hormonal levels, semen quality, expression level of LHR, and fertility index were shown in Af group. However, the combination group revealed a significant (p˂0.05) improvement in these parameters. In conclusion, the high toxicity of aflatoxin B1 on the reproductive system was demonstrated, while the administration of camel milk reduced these toxic effects.