The Role of Antiretroviral Therapy on Testicular Integrity in the Era of Hypoxis Hemerocallidea

The consumption of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (HH) is of public health interest since preparations from them are highly promoted, especially in South Africa as agents that can also enhance immunity in HIV/AIDS patients. This study was designed to investigate the effect of this herb compared to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the testis. Twenty four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (188.98±4.5 g) were distributed into four groups (A - D) and treated with HAART and HH according to protocol. After eight weeks of treatment, blood samples were obtained for hormonal analyses. Testicles were fixed in buffered formaldehyde and paraffin processed. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, seminal fluid and morphometric analyses were carried out. There were no significant changes (P

Key Words: Hypoxis hemerocallidea; HAART; Testis; Androgen receptor; HIV/AIDS