Research Article

Evaluation of The Therapeutic Potential of Aqueous Extract Of Nephrolepis biserrata on Testosterone Propionate-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Modulation of Oxidative Stress Enzymes And Inflammatory Biomarkers

Abstract

The prostate gland is located just below the bladder in men and surrounds the top portion of the tube that drains urine from the bladder (urethra). The prostate’s primary function is to produce the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm (seminal fluid). Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can be defined as uncontrolled, albeit non-malignant proliferation of prostatic glandular and stromal cells. It is a chronic age- related condition affecting almost 3 out of 4 men in their sixties. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common neoplasm and a significant cause of urinary symptoms in adult males. Prostate and testicular damage associated with testosterone propionate exposure has been reported to involve prostate disruption and testicular damage which results in a sequalae of physiologic and pathologic responses. Whether Nephrolepis biserrata, a widely used herb for a wide range of disease treatment can attenuate the adverse effect of testosterone propionate exposure remains poorly understood. Hence, this study investigated the effect of Nephrolepis biserrata on testosterone propionate induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in male Wistar rat. Following 14 days acclimatization, rats were induced with 8 mg/kg b.wt of testosterone propionate through subcutaneous administration for 11, 22 and 33 days respectively, thereafter treated with 100 mg/kg b.wt, 200 mg/kg b.wt and 300mg/kg b.wt of Nephrolepis biserrata aqueous leaf extract orally for 11, 22 and 33 days respectively. At the end of 11, 22 and 33 days of experimentation, animals were euthanized, blood and tissues (prostate and testis) were collected for oxidative stress makers and inflammatory markers. The results showed that Nephrolepis biserrata treatment improves anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress functions. Nephrolepis biserrata significantly attenuated testosterone propionate induced prostate and testicular damage by reducing inflammation of the prostate and testicular tissues. The level of IL-6 was reduced from 56.7 ± 8.82pg/ml, 2.3 ± 5.04pg/ml and 58.0 ± 3.00pg/ml for the negative control to 2.68 ± 0.32pg/ml, 11.3 ± 2.40pg/ml and 7.10 ± 1.40pg/ml for the groups treated with 300mg/kg b.wt of the extract. Nephrolepis biserrata treated groups also showed attenuation of the oxidative stress makers (MDA, SOD, CAT and GPx) with highly elevated MDA concentration reduced and the activities of the stress enzymes increased. This study suggests that Nephrolepis biserrata exhibit therapeutic potential against testosterone propionate induced benign prostatic hyperplasia by enhancing anti-inflammatory functions and antioxidative potential.

Keywords: Testosterone propionate, Nephrolepis biserrata, Prostate gland, Inflammatory makers, Oxidative stress makers, Inflammation.

Cite as: O.H Eruotor , C. C. Monago-Ighorodje, and D.E. Peters. Evaluation of The Therapeutic Potential of Aqueous Extract Of Nephrolepis biserrata on Testosterone Propionate-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Modulation of Oxidative Stress Enzymes And Inflammatory Biomarkers. Current Research in Health Sciences, 2(2):15-27, 2024. https://doi.org/10.58613/crhs223