Possible mechanisms for the toxic effects of marijuana smoke on the reproductive axis of male albino rats.
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Date
2013-05
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the possible mechanisms for the toxic impact of marijuana smoke on the level
of male reproductive hormones and their related genes expression. Male albino rats were enrolled in this study
and divided into: (I) control group; (II) and (III) Marijuana smoke exposed groups in which the animals were
exposed to marijuana smoke daily for two and four weeks respectively. Serum free testosterone, FSH and LH
were assayed. Brain follicle stimulating hormone gene (FSH-B) and luteinizing hormone gene (LH-B) as well as
testicular cytochrome P19 (CYP19) genes expression were evaluated. Histological examination of brain and
testis tissues was done. Marijuana smoke produced significant reduction in serum reproductive hormones levels.
Similarly, it caused significant down-regulation in the expression of reproductive hormones related genes.
Histological investigation of brain tissue of marijuana smoke exposed rats revealed marked deterioration in
medulla oblogata and cerebellum. While, histological examination of their testis tissues showed no
histopathological changes.The present findings suggest that marijuana smoke adversely affects male reproductive
function due to its ability to suppress gonadotropin output from pituitary in addition to its impact on the structure
and/or function of DNA nucleotide sequences of reproductive hormones related genes. Marijuana smoke could
impair fertility in male rats through alteration in circulating levels of reproductive hormones and down-regulation
of the expression level of reproductive hormones related genes.
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Keywords
Marijuana, male reproductive hormones, reproductive hormones related genes, rats
Citation
El-Habashi Assem A, Mousa Mona A, El-Eraky Wafaa I, Khalil Wagdy K B, Ahmed Hanaa H, Moad Noha A A. Possible mechanisms for the toxic effects of marijuana smoke on the reproductive axis of male albino rats. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2013 May; 3(4 suppl_1): s59-s67.