Altered expression of testicular SCF and c-kit genes in antiretroviral therapy-induced semen alterations and subfertility

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dc.contributor.authorAdana, M. Y.
dc.contributor.authorAkang, E. N.
dc.contributor.authorEche, S.
dc.contributor.authorUgochukwu, O.
dc.contributor.authorAzu, O. O.
dc.date.accessioned2025-05-22T13:59:07Z
dc.date.available2025-05-22T13:59:07Z
dc.date.issued2019
dc.description.abstractBackground: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been implicated in testicular toxicity observed in HIV patients. Optimal spermatogenesis has been shown to be dependent on the expression of Stem cell factor (SCF) and c-KIT genes. They are known to be crucial for germ cell development and fertility. The study investigated the effects of ART and Naringenin on the expression of SCF and c-KIT genes in the testes of Sprague Dawley rats. Methods: Thirty male rats weighing 200--220g, were randomly assigned into 6 treatment groups- DW: Distilled water, H: HAART, N40: Naringenin, 40 mg/kg, N80: Naringenin, 80 mg/kg, HN40: HAART+Naringenin, 40 mg/kg and HN80: HAART+Naringenin, 80 mg/kg. Treatment lasted for a period of 10 weeks. Copulation with adult non-mated females was allowed to take place. The number of pregnancies and pubs were noted. Rats were sacrificed, testes were harvested and semen were analysed. Expressions of SCF and c-kit genes were done via real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction. The Animal Research Ethical Committee, UKZN, South Africa approved this research with a reference number AREC/046/016D. Results: There was a significantly lower count in group H compared to DW and N40. There were significantly lower progressive sperms in group H when compared to DW, N40, N80, HN40 and HN80. The fertility index was higher in the DW than in the H and N40 groups. The number of pubs per group were also higher. The animals in groups H, HN40 and HN80 displayed altered expression of SCF/c-KIT genes when compared to controls. Conclusion: The study suggests that ART may alter the expression of SCF and c-KIT genes in the testes thereby causing deleterious effects on testicular function. Naringenin, a bioflavonoid may be a useful adjuvant therapy in protecting against testicular toxicity.
dc.identifier.citationAdana, M. Y., Akang, E. N., Eche, S., Ugochukwu, O., Azu, O. O. (2019). Altered expression of testicular SCF and c-kit genes in antiretroviral therapy-induced semen alterations and subfertility. Fertility 2019 3-5th January 2019 ICC Birmingham. Downing S. (ed). Human Fertility, 22(1), 46-67. Available online at https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/ihuf20/22/1 (Scopus indexed, Q2)
dc.identifier.issn1742-8149
dc.identifier.urihttps://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/16791
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherTaylor & Francis Group
dc.subjectantiretroviral therapy
dc.subjectStem Cell Factor
dc.subjectc-KIT
dc.subjectsemen parameters
dc.subjectmale infertility
dc.titleAltered expression of testicular SCF and c-kit genes in antiretroviral therapy-induced semen alterations and subfertility
dc.typeArticle

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