Resveratrol - an ingredient of red wine abrogates the reproductive capacity in male mice.

Resveratrol has been considered as an antioxidant in biological system. However, its role in male reproductive biology has not yet been evaluated in much detail. Present study analysed its effect on male reproductive function in adult mouse, after its intraperitoneal administration (2, 8 and 20 mg kg b.wt.(-1) per day) for 2 weeks. The generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in testis increased with concomitant decrease in sperm count and motility following resveratrol treatment as compared with the control group. Resveratrol had a negative impact on the activities of antioxidant enzymes namely catalase and superoxide dismutase and on the level of reduced glutathione. Increase in the level of oxidised glutathione by resveratrol lead to a shift in the redox ratio. Additionally, a significant loss of Leydig cells and alterations in testicular histomorphology (excessive vacuolisation and shrinkage of seminiferous tubules) was also observed. In conclusion, the deleterious effects of resveratrol on germ cells could be attributed to its pro-oxidant ability leading to testicular tissue damage.