Protective effects of sinapic acid against cyclophosphamide-induced testicular toxicity via inhibiting oxidative stress, caspase-3 and NF-kB activity in BALB/c mice

Cyclophosphamide-induced testicular injury: the role of chrysin in mitigating iron overload and ferroptosis

This study evaluated the beneficial effects of chrysin against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced testicular toxicity in rats across several parameters, including hormones, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and protein expression. Rats were pretreated with oral doses of chrysin at 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg daily for 7 days. On the 8th day, all groups except controls received CP (200 mg/kg) injection. Chrysin doses continued for 7 more days. Hormones, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis regulators, and iron regulatory proteins were assessed. CP decreased testosterone, inhibin B, GSH, and GPx4 and increased FSH, cholesterol, MDA, IL-6, and BAX. It also drastically reduced TfR1, liprin, and IREB2. Chrysin dose-dependently counteracted these effects. The highest 100 mg/kg chrysin dose increased testosterone, inhibin B, GSH, GPx4, BCL2, TfR1, liprin, and IREB2 while decreasing FSH, cholesterol, MDA, IL-6, and BAX close to control levels. There were also significant incremental benefits for testosterone, inhibin B, and other parameters with higher chrysin doses. Chrysin dose-dependently attenuated CP-induced hormonal dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and iron-regulatory protein suppression. The maximum dose showed the most optimal protective effects in restoring the testicular toxicity markers. These results validate the promising spermatoprotective properties of chrysin against chemotherapeutic germ cell damage.

Sinapic Acid Mitigates Pentylenetetrazol-induced Acute Seizures By Modulating the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Regulating Calcium/calcineurin Signaling: In Vivo and In Silico Approaches

Sinapic acid (SA) is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid found in citrus fruits and cereals. Recent studies have shown that SA has potential anti-seizure properties due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. The present study investigated the neuroprotective role of SA at two different dosages in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced acute seizure model. Mice were divided into six groups: normal control, PTZ, SA (20 mg/kg), SA (20 mg/kg) + PTZ, SA (40 mg/kg), and SA (40 mg/kg) + PTZ. SA was orally administered for 21 days, followed by a convulsive dose of intraperitoneal PTZ (50 mg/kg). Seizures were estimated via the Racine scale, and animals were behaviorally tested using the Y-maze. Brain tissues were used to assess the levels of GABA, glutamate, oxidative stress markers, calcium, calcineurin, (Nod)-like receptor protein-3 (NLRP3), interleukin (IL)-1β, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), Bcl-2-associated death protein (Bad) and Bcl-2. Molecular docking of SA using a multistep in silico protocol was also performed. The results showed that SA alleviated oxidative stress, restored the GABA/glutamate balance and calcium/calcineurin signaling, downregulated NLRP3 and apoptosis, and improved recognition and ambulatory activity in PTZ-treated mice. In silico results also revealed that SA strongly interacts with the target proteins NLRP3 and ASC. Overall, the results suggest that SA is a promising antiseizure agent and that both doses of SA are comparable, with 40 mg/kg SA being superior in normalizing glutathione, calcium and IL-1β, in addition to calcineurin, NLRP3, ASC and Bad.

Cyclophosphamide-Induced Infertility and the Impact of Antioxidants

An important drawback of anticancer chemotherapy is the harm it causes to healthy cells. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely used chemotherapeutic alkylating agent that is regularly used in cancer treatment. However, it can cause severe side effects, including genotoxicity, due to its ability to damage DNA. This toxicity is thought to be associated with oxidative stress induced by an excessive amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, there is a specific focus on the potential effects of anticancer treatments on fertility. Due to the increasing life expectancy of cancer patients, those desiring parenthood may face the negative impacts of therapies. Utilizing substances with antioxidant and cytoprotective characteristics to protect the reproductive system from harmful consequences during chemotherapy would be highly beneficial. This review introduces the physiological and pathological roles of ROS in the reproductive systems of both males and females, then we address the adverse effects of CP administration on infertility and discuss how antioxidants can reverse these effects.

The possible effects of chronic administration of amiodarone hydrochloride on the seminiferous tubules of adult male albino rats: histological and biochemical study

Amiodarone hydrochloride is an antiarrhythmic agent that is widely prescribed. However, it has serious side effects that approximately affect the whole body organs. In our study, we aimed to assess the possible effects of chronic administration of two different doses of amiodarone hydrochloride on the oxidative and inflammatory parameters as well as the histological morphology and ultrastructure of the seminiferous tubules of adult male albino rats. Forty rats were divided into four groups; Control group 1: each rat did not receive any drugs at all. Control group 2: each rat received 3 ml of 0.16% methylcellulose, orally and daily for 4 weeks. Low dose amiodarone group: each rat received 3 ml of 0.16% methylcellulose contained 3.6 mg amiodarone, orally and daily for 4 weeks. High dose amiodarone group: each rat received 3 ml of 0.16% methylcellulose contained 7.2 mg amiodarone, orally and daily for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected for measuring serum levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Testes specimens were examined to assess the morphological changes and the level of expression of caspase-3 apoptotic marker. The results indicated that; amiodarone hydrochloride could induce a dose-dependent toxicity, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular degeneration, deposition of collagen and enhanced apoptosis in the seminiferous tubules.

Effects of in utero benzo[a]pyrene exposure on the testis of rats during puberty and the protective effect of atorvastatin

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a contaminant that is generated in the environment through processes such as smoke, incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, vehicle exhaust emissions, entry into the body is through inhalation, and consumption of contaminated food. It is an omnipresent environmental pollutant with unavoidable exposure. BaP metabolites are observed in the male reproductive system, especially in the testes and epididymis of animals, and are responsible for reduced testicular and epididymal function. The protective effect of atorvastatin (ATV) on testicular damage was investigated previously. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of ATV on testicular toxicity induced by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) during pregnancy in Wistar rats. This experimental laboratory study involved 40 adult rats, divided into seven groups and maintained under standard environmental conditions. The groups received different diets [control, corn oil, ATV (10 mg/kg), BaP (10 and 20 mg/kg), and ATV + BaP (10 and 20 mg/kg)] at gestation Days 7-16, orally. Male offspring were examined 10 weeks after birth. Testis and serum samples were collected, and testosterone level, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were measured. Histological and immunohistochemical assays were performed under a light microscope. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, with analysis of variance and Tukey tests to assess significant differences between groups. ATV significantly reduced MDA, a marker of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in rat testes following BaP administration. Treatment with ATV at doses of 10 mg/kg increased GSH levels, correcting disruptions in the antioxidant system caused by BaP. Testosterone concentration in rats treated with ATV and BaP substantially prevented the decrease induced by BaP. Histomorphometry revealed that ATV significantly prevented the detrimental effects of BaP on the thickness of spermatogenic epithelium and the diameter of seminiferous tubules. Under ATV treatment, testicular tissue histopathology improved, and spermatogenesis returned to a almost back to normal state. Caspase-3 expression decreased, and apoptosis activity in testicular tissue improved under ATV treatment, indicating a positive effect of ATV in reducing apoptotic damage caused by BaP. In conclusion, exposure to BaP can induce oxidative stress-related damage to testicular tissue, as evidenced by an increase in MDA levels, which ATV treatment can mitigate. Additionally, ATV enhances intracellular antioxidant GSH and protects the testes against BaP-induced damage while increasing testosterone levels, which are reduced due to exposure to BaP.

Shilajit mitigates chemotherapeutic drug-induced testicular toxicity: Study on testicular germ cell dynamics, steroidogenesis modulation, and Nrf-2/Keap-1 signaling

BACKGROUND

Medications, including chemotherapeutic drugs, contribute to male infertility as external factors by inducing oxidative stress in testicular cells. Shilajit is a naturally occurring bioactive antioxidant used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the potential of Shilajit to counteract the negative effects of the chemotherapeutic drug cyclophosphamide (CPA) on testicular germ cell dynamics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Male Parkes mice received single intraperitoneal CPA injection (200 mg/kg BW) on day one, followed by daily supplementation of Shilajit (100 and 200 mg/kg BW) for one spermatogenic cycle.

RESULTS

CPA adversely affected testicular germ cell dynamics by inhibiting the conversion of spermatogonia-to-spermatids, altering testicular histoarchitecture, impairing Sertoli cell function and testicular steroidogenesis, and disturbing the testicular oxido-apoptotic balance. Shilajit supplementation restores testicular germ cell dynamics in CPA-exposed mice, as evidenced by improved histoarchitecture of the testis. Shilajit improves testicular daily production and sperm quality by promoting the conversion of spermatogonia (2C) into spermatids (1C), stimulating germ cell proliferation (PCNA), improving Sertoli cell function (N-Cadherin and β-Catenin), and maintaining the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Additionally, Shilajit enhances testosterone biosynthesis by activating enzymes like 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD. Shilajit also reduces testicular oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD) and decreasing lipid peroxidation (LPO). These effects are mediated by upregulation of the antioxidant protein Nrf-2 and downregulation of Keap-1.

CONCLUSION

The findings underscore the potent androgenic and antioxidant characteristics of Shilajit, as well as its ability to enhance fertility in cases of testicular damage caused by chemotherapeutic drugs.

Sinapic acid protects against lead acetate-induced lung toxicity by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress damage

Lead acetate (PbAc) is a compound that produces toxicity in many tissues after exposure. Sinapic acid (SNP) possesses many biological and pharmacological properties. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of SNP on the toxicity of PbAc in lung tissue. PbAc was administered orally at 30 mg/kg and SNP at 5 or 10 mg/kg for 7 days. Biochemical, genetic, and histological methods were used to investigate inflammatory, apoptotic, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and oxidative stress damage levels in lung tissue. SNP administration induced PbAc-reduced antioxidant (GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPx) and expression of HO-1 in lung tissue. It also reduced MDA, induced by PbAc, and thus alleviated oxidative stress. SNP decreased the inflammatory markers NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β levels induced by PbAc in lung tissue and exhibited anti-inflammatory effect. PbAc increased apoptotic Bax, Apaf-1, and Caspase-3 mRNA transcription levels and decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 in lung tissues. SNP decreased apoptotic damage by reversing this situation. On the other hand, SNP regulated these markers and brought them closer to the levels of the control group. PbAc caused prolonged ER stress by increasing the levels of ATF6, PERK, IRE1α, GRP78 and this activity was stopped and tended to retreat with SNP. After evaluating all the data, While PbAc caused toxic damage in lung tissue, SNP showed a protective effect by reducing this damage.

Mitigating cyclophosphamide-associated gonadotoxicity in male Wistar rats: exploring the therapeutic potential of hesperidin

Hesperidin, a bioactive flavanone glycoside prevalent in citrus fruits, with remarkable therapeutic properties stands out as a formidable defender against the debilitating reproductive toxicity associated with Cyclophosphamide (CYP) chemotherapy. This study explores the protective potential of hesperidin (HSP@100 mg/kg b.wt PO daily) against CYP-induced (@ 40 mg/kg b.wt IP once in a week) reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats as several studies were documented on single dose toxicity of CYP. In this experiment, we chose multidosage drug effects, which are more relevant in chemotherapy. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: Group 1 (Control), group 2 (CYP-treated), group 3 (HSP-treated), and group 4 (CYP + HSP-treated) for 28 days. The experimental design included assessments of relative testicular weight, semen analysis, testosterone levels, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, gross and histopathological changes, and immunohistochemical evaluation. The results revealed that the administration of CYP led to a significant reduction in testicular weight, sperm count, motility, and testosterone levels, accompanied by increased oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Hesperidin co-administration demonstrated a protective effect by restoring these parameters to near-normal levels. Histopathological analysis revealed improved testicular architecture in the group 4 compared with the group 2. Oxidative stress indices indicated that hesperidin attenuated CYP-induced damage by reducing malondialdehyde levels, enhancing superoxide dismutase activity and maintaining glutathione levels. Similarly, inflammatory cytokine analysis demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects of hesperidin by reducing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and elevating interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in the group 4. Immunohistochemical evaluation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) revealed increased inflammation in the CYP group, while hesperidin significantly reduced NF-κB expression, suggesting its anti-inflammatory properties.

Piperine mitigates oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the testicular damage induced by cyclophosphamide in mice

Although cyclophosphamide (CP) has been approved as an anticancer drug, its toxic effect on most organs, especially the testis, has been established. Piperine (PIP) is an alkaloid that has antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study was investigated the protective effects of PIP on CP-induced testicular toxicity in the mice. In this experimental study, 48 adult male BALB/c mice (30-35 g) were divided into six groups (n = 8), receiving normal saline (C), 5 mg/kg of PIP (PIP5), 10 mg/kg of PIP (PIP10), 200 mg/kg of CP, 200 mg/kg of CP + PIP5, and 200 mg/kg of CP + PIP10. On the eighth day of the study, blood and testis samples were prepared for serum testosterone hormone quantification, sperm analysis, histological, and immunohistochemical assays. The results of this study showed that CP induced testicular toxicity with the decrease of sperm count, motility, and viability. Also, CP treatment caused histological structure alterations in the testis, including exfoliation, degeneration, vacuolation of spermatogenic cells, and reducing the thickness of the epithelium and the diameter of the seminiferous tubule. In addition, CP decreased glutathione (GSH) levels, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, Caspase-3, and NF-κB. At the same time, PIP treatment reduced testicular histopathological abnormalities, oxidative stress, and apoptosis that were induced by CP. These results showed that PIP improved CP-induced testicular toxicity in mice, which can be related to its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Atorvastatin protects against cyclophosphamide-induced thyroid injury in rats via modulation of JNK/ ERK/ p38 MAPK signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Cancer chemotherapy is associated with various tissue toxicities that limit its use. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is one of the most commonly used antineoplastic and immunosuppressive agent. Thyroid dysfunction is a critical side effect of anticancer drugs. Atorvastatin (ATV) is antihyperlipedemic drug with different tissue protective activities. The aim of this study was to determine the potential protective effect of ATV against CYC-induced thyroid injury in rats.

METHODS

ATV was administered in the presence and absence of CYC. Thirty-two adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, ATV group (20 mg/kg/day, p.o. for 14 day), CYC group (200 mg/kg, i.p. on day 9) and ATV/CYC group. Triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrite/nitrate (NOx), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) were measured. In addition, thyroid histopathology and caspase 3 immunohistochemistry were performed.

RESULTS

CYC significantly increased thyroid MDA, NOx, P38MAPK, ERK and JNK with decrease in GSH, T3 and T4 levels. Histopathological features of thyroid lesions and increased caspase 3 immune expression were appeared. ATV significantly normalized distributed oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic indicators, resulting in an improvement of histopathological features and reduction of caspase 3 immunoexpression.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that ATV protects against CYC-induced thyroid injury by regulating the JNK/ERK/p38-MAPK signaling pathway.

Protective effects of sinapic acid against lead acetate-induced nephrotoxicity: a multi-biomarker approach

Lead acetate (PbAc) is one of the top five most dangerous toxic heavy metals, particularly leading to kidney damage and posing serious health risks in both humans and animals. Sinapic acid (SNP) is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables that stands out with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This is the first study to investigate the effects of SNP on oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in PbAc-induced nephrotoxicity in rats by biochemical, molecular and histological methods. 35 Spraque dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups of 7 rats each: control, PbAc, SNP (10mg/kg), PbAc + SNP 5, PbAC + SNP 10. PbAc at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight was administered via oral gavage alone or in combination with SNP (5 and 10 mg/kg body weight) via oral gavage for seven days. While PbAc impaired renal function by increasing serum urea and creatinine levels, SNP decreased these levels and contributed to the improvement in renal function. The administration of SNP reduced oxidative stress by increasing PbAc-induced decreased antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, and GPx) activities and GSH levels, decreasing MDA levels, a marker of increased lipid peroxidation. SNP administration reduced NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, NLRP3, and RAGE mRNA transcription levels, NF-κB, and TNF-α protein levels that are among the PbAc-induced increased inflammation parameters. Decreases in antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and increases in apoptotic Bax, APAF-1, and Caspase-3 due to PbAc exposure, SNP reversed the situation. SNP reduced ER stress caused by PbAc by increasing PERK, IRE1, ATF-6, CHOP, and GRP-78 levels and made it tend to regress. SNP reduced autophagy damage by decreasing the Beclin-1 protein level increased by PbAc. The findings of the present study suggested that SNP attenuates PbAc-induced nephrotoxicity.

Sinapic acid alleviates 5-fluorouracil-induced nephrotoxicity in rats via Nrf2/HO-1 signalling

Fluoropyrimidine 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a DNA analogue broadly used in chemotherapy, though treatment-associated nephrotoxicity limits its widespread clinical use. Sinapic acid (SA) has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, we investigated its protective effects against 5-FU-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model. We designated four treatment groups each Group I (control) received five intraperitoneal saline injections (once daily) from days 17 to 21; Group II received five intraperitoneal injections of 5-FU (50 mg/kg/day) from days 17 to 21; Group III received an oral administration of SA (40 mg/kg) for 21 days and five intraperitoneal injections of 5-FU (50 mg/kg/day) from days 17 to 21; and Group IV received an oral administration of SA (40 mg/kg) for 21 days (n-six rats in each group). blood samples were collected on day 22 from each group. Animals were sacrificed and their kidneys removed, and instantly frozen. 5-FU caused oxidative stress, inflammation, and activation of the apoptotic pathway by upregulating Bax and Caspase-3 and downregulating Bcl-2. However, SA exposure reduced serum toxicity indicators, boosted antioxidant defences, and reduced kidney apoptosis, which was confirmed by histopathological analysis. Therefore, prophylactic administration of SA could inhibit 5-FU-induced renal injuries in rats via suppression of renal inflammation and oxidative stress, primarily through regulation of NF-κB and proinflammatory cytokines, inhibition of renal apoptosis, and restoration of tubular epithelial antioxidant activities and cytoprotective defences.

Combination of metformin and hesperidin mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity. Emerging role of PPAR-γ/Nrf-2/NF-κB signaling pathway

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is widely used as an immunosuppressive and chemotherapeutic drug. However, its therapeutic application is restricted by its adverse effects, particularly hepatotoxicity. Both metformin (MET) and hesperidin (HES) have promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Therefore, the principal aim of the current study is to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of MET, HES, and their combinations on the CP-induced hepatotoxicity model. Hepatotoxicity was evoked by a single (I.P) injection of CP (200 mg/kg) on day 7. For this study, 64 albino rats were randomly categorized into eight equal groups; naïve, control vehicle, untreated CP (200 mg/kg, IP), and CP 200 groups treated with MET 200, HES 50, HES 100 or a combination of MET 200 with HES 50 and HES 100 respectively orally daily for 12 days. At the end of the study, the liver function biomarkers, oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of PPAR-γ, Nrf-2, NF-κB, Bcl-2, and caspase3 were assessed. CP significantly increased serum ALT, AST, total bilirubin, hepatic MDA, NO content, NF-κB, and TNF-α. Otherwise, albumin, hepatic GSH content, Nrf-2, and PPAR-γ expression decreased considerably compared to the control vehicle group. The combinations of MET200 with HES50 or HES100 induced pronounced hepatoprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects on CP-treated rats. The possible explanation of such hepatoprotective effects may be mediated via upregulation of Nrf-2, PPAR-γ, Bcl-2 expression, hepatic GSH content, and marked suppression of TNF-α and NF-κB expression. In conclusion, the current study showed that combining MET and HES revealed a remarkable hepatoprotective effect against CP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Hesperidin Mitigates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Testicular Dysfunction via Altering the Hypothalamic Pituitary Gonadal Axis and Testicular Steroidogenesis, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Male Rats

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a cytotoxic, cell cycle, non-specific, and antiproliferative drug. This study aimed to address the toxic effects of CP on male fertility and the possible ameliorative role of hesperidin (HSP). Thirty-two adult albino rats were randomly divided into four groups, namely, the negative control, HSP, CP-treated, and CP+HSP-treated groups. The CP-treated rats showed a significant reduction in the levels of serum LH, FSH, testosterone, prolactin, testicular glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with an elevation in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and p53, and iNOS immune expression, compared to the control group. A significant downregulation in hypothalamic KISS-1, KISS-1r, and GnRH, hypophyseal GnRHr, and testicular mRNA expression of steroidogenesis enzymes, PGC-1α, PPAR-1, IL10, and GLP-1, as well as a significant upregulation in testicular mRNA of P53 and IL1β mRNA expression, were detected in the CP-treated group in comparison to that in the control group. The administration of HSP in CP-treated rats significantly improved the levels of serum LH, FSH, testosterone, prolactin, testicular GPx, and TAC, with a reduction in levels of MDA, and p53, and iNOS immune expression compared to the CP-treated group. A significant upregulation in hypophyseal GnRHr, and testicular mRNA expression of CYP19A1 enzymes, PPAR-1, IL10, and GLP-1, as well as a significant downregulation in testicular mRNA of P53 and IL1β mRNA expression, were detected in the CP+HSP-treated group in comparison to that in the CP-treated group. In conclusion, HSP could be a potential auxiliary agent for protection from the development of male infertility.

Unravelling the Protective Effects of Emodin Against Cyclophosphamide Induced Gonadotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Background

Over the past few decades, cyclophosphamide (CP) has been extensively used as a broad-spectrum alkylating agent for the treatment of various cancers and solid tumors. However, the therapeutic actions on CP are not limited to only cancer cells, as it simultaneously exerts significant toxicities on healthy cells through the instigation of oxidative stress and oxidative damages. CP induced testicular toxicity is associated with impaired spermatogenesis, reduced sperm functionality, reproductive hormone and testicular weight. This study was aimed at unravelling the protective effects of emodin (EMD) on testicular toxicity following CP treatment.

Methods

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were allotted into 4 groups as normal control group (NCG), CP control group (CPCG), EMD25+CP (25 mg/kg in 5% tween 80) and EMD50+CP groups (50 mg/kg in 5% tween 80). EMD was orally administered for 35 consecutive days, while four doses of CP (100 mg/kg/week) were administered intraperitoneally from the second to fifth week of treatment. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed and histopathological examination of the testes as well as serum/testicular biochemical assays were conducted.

Results

The results revealed that CP significantly impeded sperm function parameters including sperm count, viability and motility as well as decreased reproductive hormones (testosterone, LH and FSH) levels. In addition, CP enhanced testicular oxidative stress and proinflammatory markers (MDA, IL-6 and TNF-α), while simultaneously decreasing testicular antioxidant enzymes (GSH, GPx, SOD and CAT). Evidence of marked histopathological alterations was also observed in the H&E stained testicular tissues of CP treated rats. EMD significantly prevented these CP induced negative effects.

Conclusion

This study provides a basis for the potential use of EMD in counteracting chemotherapy induced testicular toxicity. The results further suggest that EMD testicular protective effects in CP-treated rats may be mediated through its modulatory role on oxidative stress and inflammation.