Testicular 3beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in naringenin adjuvant under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART): preliminary data using Sprague-Dawley rats

HAART has brought relief to many living with HIV/AIDS, decreasing morbidity and mortality rates. In spite of these benefits, the treatment has been associated with reproductive disorders. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of Naringenin (Nar) on the expression of testicular 3 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD) in HAART-treated Sprague-Dawley rats. 30 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups. The rats were fed with 30 mg/kg of HAART (Efavirenz+Embtricitabine+Tenofovir), 40mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of Nar and a combination of both HAART and Nar for a period of 70 days. Thereafter, the animals were euthanized and the testes processed. The results showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the expression of 3 beta HSD in the HAART group compared to controls. However, the co-treatment of HAART with 40 mg/kg Nar increased significantly (p<0.05) the expression of 3 beta HSD, compared to HAART and control. The relative volume fraction also showed significant increase (p<0.05) in germinal epithelium, lumen and Leydig cells of animals treated with 80 mg/kg Nar, and HAART+40 mg/kg Nar compared to control and HAART respectively. In conclusion, HAART is causes a deficiency in testicular 3 beta HSD, thereby limiting spermatogenesis. However, co-treatment with 40 mg/kg Naringenin increases testicular 3 beta HSD expression and enhances spermatogenesis.