The effect of coadministration of vitamin D and tramadol on serum kisspeptin, testosterone, oxidative stress levels and testicular histology in Wistar rats: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND

Tramadol, an opioid analgesic, is known to induce testicular damage and impair reproductive parameters. Vitamin D3, recognized for its antioxidant and protective properties, might offer a potential protective effect against tramadol-induced testicular damage. This study observed the effects of co-administration of vitamin D3 and tramadol on serum kisspeptin levels, testicular histology, semen parameters, testosterone levels, and oxidative stress markers in male rats.

METHODS

Fifteen male rats weighing between 150 and 250 g were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5 per group). Group A was the control, receiving only distilled water. Group B was administered 20 mg/kg body weight of tramadol daily, while group C received both 20 mg/kg body weight of tramadol and 25 μg/kg body weight of vitamin D3 daily. The treatments were administered orally for 14 days. Post-administration body weight, relative testicular weight, serum kisspeptin levels, semen parameters, testosterone levels and oxidative stress markers (catalase, glutathione and malonaldehyde) were measured. Testicular histology was also examined using photomicrography.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in body weights, relative testicular weights, serum kisspeptin levels, semen parameters, testosterone levels, or oxidative stress markers among the experimental groups (p > 0.05). Histological analysis in the tramadoltreated group exhibited significant degradation of spermatozoa, which was not mitigated by vitamin D3 co-administration compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates that vitamin D3 supplementation does not significantly ameliorate tramadol-induced testicular damage. There is a need for further research with varied doses and longer durations to further explore the potential protective mechanisms of vitamin D3.