Protective effect of vitamin E and vitamin C alone and in combination on testicular damage induced by sodium metabisulphite in rats: A stereological study.

The existing investigation was directed to consider the protective role of vitamin C and E alone and in combination on sodium metabisulphite-induced damage on testicular. Experimental animals were received sodium metabisulphite (520 mg/kg) alone and in combination with vitamin E (100 mg/kg), vitamin C (100 mg/kg) and vitamin E + C, while the control groups received 0.9% saline solution and olive oil (the solvent of the vitamin E). Finally, the changes in the testis histology were examined stereologically. Lipid peroxidation was assessed through the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in testis tissues. Also, serum testosterone concentrations were measured. The results indicated that 80%-90% (spermatogonia A and B, spermatocyte and Leydig) and 40% of the Sertoli cells were missed in the rats that received sodium metabisulphite, respectively, compared with the controls. The co-supplementation of vitamin E with vitamin C significantly decreased MDA (p = 0.006) and increased testosterone (p = 0.001) concentrations in the rats received SMB which were as much as control and olive groups. Co-supplementation of vitamin E and vitamin C due to their synergistic effects could be an appropriate strategy in preventing testicular from sodium metabisulphite-induced damage.