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Protective effects of Ceratonia siliqua extract on protamine gene expression, testicular function, and testicular histology in doxorubicin-treated adult rats: An experimental study
Khani, Hengameh Mehdi; Shariati, Mehrdad; Forouzanfar, Mohsen & Hosseini, Seyed Ebrahim
Abstract
Background: Spermatogenesis is a complex process that takes place under the
influence of many different genes.
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of Ceratonia
siliqua hydroalcoholic extract (CSHAE) on protamine gene expression, testicular
function, and testicular histology in doxorubicin-treated rats.
Materials and Methods: 56 adult male rats with a age range of 2.5 to 3 months (210 ±
10 gr) were divided into seven groups (n = 8/each). A) Control group was left untreated;
B) Sham group received 0.3 ml distilled water intraperitoneally, C) Negative control
group received 3 mg/kg doxorubicin, intraperitoneally once a week for 28 days; and
D) Positive control group received 600 mg/kg of CSHAE orally for 48 days; E, F, G)
the experimental groups 1, 2, and 3 received 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of CSHAE
respectively orally, for 48 days, as well as 3 mg/kg doxorubicin once a week for 28
days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used in the histological study of testes, and
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used in measuring serum levels of
testosterone. Protamine gene expression was determined by real-Time PCR method.
Results: The mean body weight, testicular weight, testicular volume, testosterone level
(p = 0.022), the count of Leydig, spermatogonia, spermatocyte, and spermatid cells,
as well as protamine gene expression (p = 0.008) were significantly increased in the
experimental group 2 compared to the negative control group. The regeneration of
testicular tissue was observed in the experimental group 2.
Conclusion: CSHAE has protective effect on doxorubicin-induced testicular injuries.
Keywords
Ceratonia siliqua; Doxorubicin; Protamine; Testicular injuries; Rat.
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