title: Reproductive parameters and oxidative stress status of male rats fed with low and high salt diet.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Deficiency of minerals and micronutrients has been reported to impair the process of spermatogenesis. Historically, salt has been used by women on their husbands to increase their libido, however, the role of salt diet on sperm parameters are yet to be ascertained.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study was designed to determine the effect of low and high salt diet on sperm parameters, oxidative status and reproductive hormone levels of male rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 18 rats were divided into three groups: Group I: (control) received 0.3% salt diet, Group II: low salt (received 0.14% salt diet) and Group III: high salt (received 8% salt diet). All animals were treated for 6 weeks; after which epididymal sperm parameters; oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase) in the testes and epididymal tissues, as well as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels were determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed decreased sperm count in the low salt diet rats while increased sperm count was observed in the high salt diet treated rats. Both low salt and high salt diet fed rats exhibited increased abnormal sperm cells and increased epididymal oxidative stress when compared with their respective control. FSH and testosterone levels were increased in the high salt fed rats while LH level was decreased when compared with the control values.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that both low and high salt diet play a negative role in the fertility of male rats.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Bolanle O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Iranloye
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Gabriel O
authors.initials: GO
authors.lastname: Oludare
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Ayodele O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Morakinyo
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Naomi A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Esume
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Lucy C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Ekeh
keywords: Oxidative stress; salt; sperm count; sperm morphology; testosterone