Effect of vitamin C and its nanoparticles injection on testicular hemodynamics, testicular volume, testicular echotexture, and circulating testosterone and nitric oxide in pubescent goat bucks

Abstract

The current study investigated the effect of vitamin C and its nanoparticles (NPs)  on testicular hemodynamics using Doppler ultrasonography, testicular volume (TV), testicular echotexture (PIX), and circulating testosterone (T), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in pubescent bucks under heat stress conditions. Fifteen Baladi goat bucks were split into three groups (5 in each): the control group received subcutaneous (S/C) injections of 1 ml of corn oil, the vitamin C group received S/C injections of 1 ml of traditional vitamin C (5mg/kg body weight), and the vitamin C NPs group was administered by S/C injections of 1ml of vitamin C NPs (1.25 mg/kg body weight). All groups had been injected twice a week in 3-4 days intervals for 4 consecutive weeks. Testicular hemodynamics assessment was done on day zero, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32. Estimating the TV and PIX was performed by B-mode ultrasonography and computer-assisted image analysis software. Concentrations of T, NO, and TAC were measured using commercial kits. Results revealed significant decreases (P ˂0.05) in Doppler indices values (resistive index and pulsatility index) in the vitamin C NPs group followed by the vitamin C group compared to the control group. There were significant increases (P < 0.05) in the TV, PIX, and NO, TAC concentrations in the vitamin C NPs group and vitamin C group compared to the control group. There were no significant differences (P ˃ 0.05) in the concentrations of T between all groups during the studied time points. In conclusion, vitamin C NPs improve testicular blood flow and increase NO concentrations and TV than traditional vitamin C. Nano-formulations of vitamin C showed higher antioxidant activity compared to traditional vitamin C as it improves its stability and bioavailability. So, using nanoparticles of vitamin C could be recommended for improving the reproductive performance of pubescent bucks under heat-stress conditions.