L-Arginine reverses maternal and pre-pubertal codeine exposure-induced sexual dysfunction via upregulation of androgen receptor gene and NO/cGMP signaling.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although codeine has been reported to enhance sexual activity by improving penile reflexes, it has been shown to impair fertility indices. Also, codeine impairs ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis. Nonetheless, whether or not codeine exerts an epigenetic effect remains unclear. On the other hand, arginine has been speculated to enhance penile reflexes by upregulating NO/cGMP Signaling.

Aim

The study evaluated the effect of maternal codeine exposure and prepubertal codeine and arginine treatments on F1 male sexual function and fertility indices, as well as the outcome of F2 progenies. In addition, the epigenetic programming mechanism was also explored.

Methods

Forty three-week-old female rats were randomized into two groups (n = 20 rats/group); the

SUBMITTER: Akhigbe RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9469994 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature