Alcohol-induced testicular oxidative stress and cholesterol homeostasis in rats – The therapeutic potential of virgin coconut oil

Objective: To evaluate the possible protective effects of virgin coconut oil on alcohol-induced oxidative stress and serum lipid values in rats. Design: This is an experimental animal study. Method: The animals were gavaged with 30% ethanol (7 ml/kg body weight/day) while 6.67 ml/kg body weight/day of virgin coconut oil (VCNO) was administered for 4 weeks using a cannulated syringe. Results: Animals treated with ethanol alone showed a significant elevation in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) as measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), which lowered the antioxidant defence system such as reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase activities when compared with the control. Sperm count, sperm motility and serum testosterone levels were also significantly reduced in this group. Levels of total cholesterol/HDL (TC/HDL) ratio increased significantly in the ethanol-only treated group, while HDL level was significantly reduced. Administration of VCNO improved the antioxidant status by decreasing the levels of MDA and altering lipid profile levels to near normal. Sperm count, motility and serum testosterone levels were also significantly increased when compared with the alcohol-only treated group. Conclusion: Findings of the present study indicate VCNO has antioxidant activities and does not adversely alter serum lipid levels