Abstract:
In our rapidly evolving lives, stress is inevitable, and chronic stress can lead to depression, affecting both mental and physical health. According to WHO 2023, around 280 million people globally suffer from depression. Additionally, prolonged stress may disrupt male reproductive functions, potentially leading to infertility. Current antidepressants have notable side effects, highlighting the need for better alternatives. This study hypothesized that chronic stress could induce testicular dysfunction, which might be prevented by daily multivitamins. A rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was employed, with animals divided into three groups: control, untreated depressed, and treated with a multivitamins mixture (L-methyl folate, vitamin D3, and vitamin B2). Stressors and treatments were administered concurrently to test the preventive effects of multivitamins. The results cleared that serum cortisol levels were significantly upregulated in the untreated group but returned to normal in the treated group. Serum testosterone levels were significantly higher in the untreated group (p=0.0004), indicating dysfunction, but normalized in the treated group. Histological analysis revealed disorganized seminiferous epithelium, scanty lumens, and increased Leydig cells in the untreated group, while the treated group maintained normal testicular architecture. Spermatogonia and spermatozoa counts were significantly reduced in the untreated group but improved with treatment. Johnsen's Score reflected substantial recovery in the treated group, surpassing even the control group. Dot blot analysis showed decreased folate concentration and 5-methyl cytosine concentration in the untreated group, with levels modulated by treatment in the treated group. These findings suggest that natural supplementation may prevent stress-induced testicular dysfunction and provide a promising alternative to conventional antidepressants.
