Histological investigation of the effects of aluminum potassium sulphate (Alum), which is frequently used in food sector in daily life, on rat testes

Many different chemicals are used in the transportation of many foods from the factory to the public. In the process of presenting the food to the people, preferred salt, pepper and so on. The quality and possible side effects of foods can cause public health problems. In addition, it has been known for many years that water-soluble alum is used to reduce possible excessive sexual activity in boarding schools and military settlements where men are densely replaced with normal food salt. The aim of our study was to evaluate the histomorphologic, molecular and hormonal changes that can be caused by alum in male rat testes. A total of 24 adult male Wistar Albino rats were used in this study. While no substance was given to the control group, animals in group 2 were given 250 / mg / kg water-soluble alum. Group 3 animals were given 500 mg / kg water-soluble alum and finally Group 4 animals were given 1 g / kg water-soluble alum. The study was continued for 30 days. At the end of the study, rats were sacrificed and left testes were removed. The samples were placed in bouin solution, followed histologically and embedded in paraffin. Hematoxylin eosin, PAS, Masson Trichrome and immunohistochemically VASA, c-kit, Calretinin, cytokeratin 18 were stained. Hematoxylin eosin staining was used for Johensen scoring. The results obtained under the light microscope were evaluated with the image analysis program. Biochemically, total and free testosterone levels were measured. Biochemical analysis revealed no significant difference between the control and other groups. Histological examination revealed hematoxylin eosin staining in the experimental group. Interstitial interval was observed in PAS staining in experimental groups. Masson trichrome stained sections showed increased tunica albuginea thickness in experimental groups. In most Johensens scoring scores, the score was 7. Immunohistochemical examination showed that calretinin is a marker of leyding cell, cytokeratin 18's sertoli cell, Ckit's spermatogonia, VASA's spermatogonial germ cell, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and round spermatids. The highest staining intensity of calretin leyding cells is seen in group 3 and group 4. This explains the increase in testosterone levels in group 3. Cytokeratin 18 staining was observed in at least the second group in the 4th group with the highest staining intensity of sertoli cells. There was no significant difference between groups in ckit staining. In VASA staining, the staining intensity of spermatogonial germ cells and spermatogonials was highest in group 2 and at least group 4. When the dose used exceeds 250mg / kg / day and exposures lasting more than 30 days, both histological disorders in the testicular tissue and lack of weight and especially cellular disorders in Leydig and Sertoli cells have started to show abnormalities in the cell skeleton and nucleus. As a result, this is thought to decrease fertilization ability and even adversely affect pregnancy rates by decreasing sperm quality. Further enzymatic, biochemical and immunohistochemical investigations may provide additional information and evidence to provide clearer information. However, this positive effect needs to be evaluated in clinical and large-scale studies.