Abstract

Background:
Malnutrition is one of the predisposing factors of disturbance in some physiological functions, including reproductive health. Currently, many people and animals are globally facing micronutrient deficiency, especially in lands with poor soils in organic matter and nutrients. Egyptian soil and consequently crops were found to be deficient in micronutrients to varying degrees.

Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the potential fertility-enhancing effects of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris on male rats fed a salt-deficient diet.

Methods:
Forty-five adult rats (15 rats each) were divided into three groups (G1, G2, and G3). G1 received a normal balanced diet (ND), G2 received a salt-deprived diet (SD), and G3 was supplemented with SD plus Chlorella 1% of diet (SD + CV). After 8 successive weeks of treatment, the animals were fasted overnight, anesthetized, and sacrificed. The collected plasma was analyzed for organ function-related constituents, oxidative biomarkers, and testosterone levels. Epididymal sperms were also examined. Samples of testis were analyzed for quantitative gene expression of GPX4, SOD1, and SPATA6 genes. Additionally, histopathological examination was performed for testis, liver, and kidney samples.

Results:
The results obtained from the current study revealed that the plasma of the SD group had higher levels of oxidative biomarkers and inflammatory cytokines, elevated urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels and liver enzymes, and lower testosterone levels than the normal control group. In addition, lower sperm motility and higher abnormality and downregulation of SPATA6 genes and degenerative changes were found in the testes, liver, and kidneys. The administration of (SD + CV) restored these alterations.

Conclusion:
Chlorella vulgaris could be used as a supplement to compensate for nutrient or salt deficiency and correct the resultant disorders, especially reproductive affections, in males.

Key words: Male fertility; Zinc and copper deficiency; Chlorella vulgaris; SPATA6; Oxidative stress.