Table sugar effect(s) on sperm parameters and antioxidant status in male Wistar rats

Sugar, available as sucrose, is a natural ingredient that has always been part of the human diet, providing cellular energy source. Its consumption has been linked to several metabolic diseases. This study is therefore designed to assess the effect of oral table or white sugar on sperm parameters and antioxidant status of adult male Wistar rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats (100-180g) were randomized into 4 groups of 5 rats. Group 1 (Control) received distil water. Groups 2, 3 and 4 rats received 20mg, 30mg and 60mg of table sugar per Kg bw respectively. After 30days oral treatment, a testes (with its epididymis) was removed for sperm function test and blood was withdrawn from each rat through cardiac puncture for superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase antioxidant enzyme assays under chlorofoam anaesthesia. Data obtained, expressed as means ± SEM, were analyzed using ANOVA. Result showed significant reduction in body weight and sperm parameters (count, normal motility/progressivity and normal morphology) in the treated groups compared with control. Sperm abnormal motility and abnormal morphology were significantly increased in the treated group compared with control. Antioxidant assays showed no significant change in the treated groups relative to control. These findings suggest that table sugar adversely impact sperm functions well below the RDA of table sugar and may therefore, promote male fertility.