Combined Impact of Wheat Germ Oil and Music Therapy on Testicular Damage Caused by Acute and Chronic Immobility Stress in Male Rats

Abstract

Introduction: There is increasing evidence that stress exposure leads to a series of male reproductive system disorders. Wheat germ oil is one of the richest vitamin E and α-tocopherol sources, which have antioxidant properties. Music therapy is appropriate for stress reduction in a variety of mental and medical healthcare centers. This study proposed to evaluate the effect of wheat germ oil and music intervention on testis tissue changes induced by acute and chronic immobility stress in male rats.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-five male rats, each weighing 230 ± 20 g, were randomly divided into seven groups: 1) control, 2) acute stress, 3) chronic stress, 4) acute stress + wheat germ oil, 5) chronic stress + wheat germ oil, 6) acute stress + music, and 7) chronic stress + music. Following the intervention period, the rats were euthanized, and blood and testicular tissues were collected. Body weight, sperm parameters, spermatogenesis indices, morphological and morphometric changes, oxidative stress markers, and serum testosterone levels were assessed.

Results: Chronic stress led to significant reductions in body weight, sperm parameters (including count, motility, and viability), spermatogenesis indices, and morphometric indices. Additionally, oxidative stress levels increased, while catalase activity and testosterone levels decreased. However, these adverse effects were mitigated in groups treated with wheat germ oil and exposed to music, resulting in the normalization of these parameters.

Conclusion: This study reveals that immobility stress enhances testicular damage indices, but the use of wheat germ oil and hearing the music improves these parameter