Molecular and Histological Evaluation of Alcoholic-Based Local Drink on Testes of Male Wister Rats

Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, including locally brewed drink, poses significant health risk, particularly on reproductive function. This study investigates the immunohistochemical expression of Bax, a pro-apoptotic marker, alongside histological changes in the testes of male Wister rats following exposure to alcoholic-based local drinks. Thirty two adult male Wister rats were randomly assigned into control and experimental groups. The experimental groups were orally administered varying doses of locally brewed alcoholic drinks for thirty days, while the control group received distilled water. Testicular tissues were harvested and subjected to routine histological staining and immunohistochemical analysis to assess Bax expression. Results revealed dose-dependent histological alterations, including disrupted seminiferous tubule architecture and reduced spermatogenic cell in the experimental groups. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant upregulation of Bax expression in the testes of treated rats compared to the control group, indicting increased apoptotic activity. These finding suggest that chronic consumption of alcohol-based local drink induces testicular damage through apoptotic pathways, potentially impairing male fertility. Further studies are recommended to identify specific constituents in these drinks responsible for the observed effects and explore potential protective intervention