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2017 Publications

Andrologia
Volume50, Issue3

Effect of nordihydroguaiaretic acid on spermatogenesis and fertility in rats

M. A. Abbas, D. Badran, A. Disi

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a naturally occurring lignan with potent
antioxidant activity. Currently, it is in clinical trials as anticancer agent. As there is no
earlier report on the effect of NDGA on spermatogenesis and fertility, this study was
designed to investigate this aspect. Administration of NDGA to rats for 60 days
produced degenerative changes in testis but had no effect on sperm DNA integrity test
and androgen receptor expression. Ultrastructural studies revealed loss of integrity of
cells in seminiferous tubules, vacuolation and presence of apoptotic bodies.
Derangement of the outer dense fibres was noted in some sperm flagella. Acrosome
formation appears to be normal. About 13.7% of epididymal spermatozoa had
deformations like short tail or rounded head. This may explain the lower fertility index
in NDGA-treated group. No external deformations in newborns were noted. In
conclusion, NDGA may have adverse effects on spermatogenesis.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/and.12916

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