Comparison of the effects of boron and vitamin C supplementation on sperm and some biochemical parameters in rats

This study aims to reveal the potential benefits and effects of Boron and vitamin C, whether used alone or together, on sperm quality, blood hormone levels, and various hematological and biochemical parameters. Accordingly, 32 adult male Wistar Albino rats, weighing 250-300 grams, were used as the main subjects of the study. The rats were fed standard rat chow and fresh drinking water ad libitum. The experimental groups were determined as the Control Group (fed only with rat chow), Vitamin C Group (200 mg/kg), Boron (B) Group (5 mg/kg boron), and Vitamin C + Boron Combination Group. Vitamin C was administered orally via gastric gavage mixed with isotonic sodium chloride solution, while boron was dissolved in physiological serum and applied intraperitoneally. On the 35th day of the experiment, blood samples were collected intracardially under xylazine and ketamine anesthesia. In the analyses, serum triglyceride, HDL, LDL, cholesterol, and glucose levels were measured. Additionally, hemogram parameters and some serum mineral and serum enzyme levels were determined. For spermatological assessment, testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) was performed, and FSH and testosterone levels were measured using ELISA kits for hormone determination. The findings revealed significant differences between the experimental groups. Notably, significant changes were detected in lipid and glucose parameters compared to the control group. Hematological parameters also showed significant differences between the experimental groups. When examining hormone and sperm parameters, significant increases in testosterone levels were observed in the vitamin C and vitamin C + Boron groups. No significant differences were found between the groups in FSH levels. Significant decreases in abnormal sperm rates were detected following vitamin C and Boron supplementation. The dead-to-live sperm ratio showed an increase in the vitamin C group, a decrease in the Boron group, and a balanced trend in the vitamin C and Boron combination group. In sperm motility, a significant increase was observed following Boron supplementation, while decreases were noted in the vitamin C and vitamin C + Boron combination groups. These results provide an important scientific contribution by evaluating the effects of boron and vitamin C supplementation on various biochemical parameters, hormones, and sperm.