Sugar Intake Disrupts some Reproductive Functions in Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

The increasing rate of infertility has raised a lot of concern. Studies show that lifestyle and dietary factors affect reproductive functions. Sugar, a universal sweetener in the diet has been linked with metabolic syndrome and disruption of male reproductive functions. The objective of the current study is the assessment of the effects of sugar on some reproductive functions of female Wistar rats. Twenty (20) adult female Wistar rats (180-200 g) randomly divided into four (n=5), received 10 mL/Kg distilled water (group 1 - control), 6.25, 20, and 64 mg/Kg Sugar (groups 1, 2, 3) daily by oral gavage for three (3) weeks, respectively. Parameters evaluated were fasting blood glucose, estrous cycle, histology and relative weights of reproductive organs, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol hormone levels. Sugar significantly decreased (p < 0.05) fasting blood glucose level and relative weights of ovary and uterus compared to control. It also significantly reduced the frequency of estrus and diestrus phases but caused significant increases (p < 0.05) in the metestrus phase of the estrous cycle and FSH level in comparison with the control. There were anomalies in the histology of the ovary and uterus. Therefore, sugar disrupted the estrous cycle, altered the weights and cytoarchitecture of the ovary and uterus. Sugar consumption has harmful effects on some reproductive functions of female Wistar rats.