Protective effects of thymoquinone on experimental testicular ischaemia–reperfusion injury: an apoptotic,proliferative and biochemical study

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of thymoquinone (TQ), which has antioxidant properties in the experimental testicular I/R model in rats in terms of its anti‐apoptotic, proliferative and biochemical attributes. In our study, 24 male rats were divided into three groups: control group, I/R group and I/R+TQ group. Testicular torsion was created by rotating the left testis 720° in a clockwise direction. The ischaemia period was 4 h, and an orchiectomy was performed after 4 h of detorsion. Spermatogenesis and the mean seminiferous tubule diameter were significantly decreased in the I/R groups compared to the control group. Furthermore, TQ‐treated animals displayed an improved histological appearance in the I/R group. It was also observed that treatment with TQ increased the activity of PCNA, which decreased as a result of I/R, and this treatment also reduced the number of TUNEL‐positive cells. The I/R+TQ group showed a decrease in malondialdehyde levels and an increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in comparison with the I/R group. It could be concluded that cytoprotective effects of TQ on the I/R testicles are via reduction of apoptosis, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.     

Protective effect of sivelestat,a neutrophil elastase inhibitor,on ipsilateral and contralateral testes after unilateral testicular ischaemia–reperfusion injury in rats

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Following ischemic damage, reperfusion may cause further injury paradoxically in the ischemic tissue, known as reperfusion injury. Decreased blood flow causes hypoxia, leading to increased levels of lactic acid, hypoxanthine, and lipid peroxides in ischemic tissues and subsequent increase in blood flow after lipid peroxidation produces reactive oxygen species. In addition, several experimental studies and clinical trials demonstrated that unilateral testicular torsion has a detrimental effect also to the contralateral testis. Although the basic pathological mechanism underlying testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury has not been completely understood, it has been shown that reactive oxygen species formed during ischemia/reperfusion play the key role in this process. In the international literature there is no information available regarding the effects of neutrophil elastase inhibitors such as sivelestat sodium aminoacetate tetrahydrate on the ischemia/reperfusion injury of the testis. In this study we investigated the effects of sivelestat in the testes bilaterally, after unilateral testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury using an experimental unilateral testicular ischemia/reperfusion rat model. We found that sivelestat reduces the oxidative stress and partially prevents the testicular damage both in the ischemic and in the contralateral testis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of a neutrophil elastase inhibitor, sivelestat sodium hydrate, on testicular ischaemia–reperfusion (IR)‐injury.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eight‐week‐old male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups: sham‐operated control rats; IR rats (group IR); and IR rats that received intra‐abdominal administration of 15 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg sivelestat (group IR15 and group IR60, respectively). Right testicular vessels were clamped for 90 min in groups IR, IR15 and IR60. Sivelestat had been administered 45 min after the induction of the ischaemia in groups IR15 and IR60. In subpopulations of IR, IR15 and IR60 rats, reperfusion was performed after ischaemia for 2 h (groups IR‐A, IR15‐A and IR60‐A, respectively) or 48 h (groups IR‐B, IR15‐B and IR60‐B, respectively). At the end of the reperfusion period, blood samples were aspirated from both spermatic veins of each rat and testosterone was evaluated. Then both testes from all rats were collected and tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and heat‐shock protein‐70(HSP‐70) were evaluated. Testicular tissue samples were also processed for histological evaluation and TUNEL staining.

RESULTS

MDA, MPO and HSP‐70 levels in the ischemic testis were significantly higher in the IR group compared with the control group. MDA and HSP‐70 in the contralateral testis were significantly higher in the IR group compared with the control group. Bilateral testosterone levels were lower in all rat groups in comparison with the control group. Bilateral testicular samples in group IR showed extensive histopathologic degenerative alterations and increased percentage of apoptotic cells. Sivelestat treatment lowered the MDA concentration and the percentage of apoptotic cells bilaterally and ameliorated the testicular histological pattern bilaterally.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral testicular ischaemia causes significant contralateral testicular damage. Sivelestat may be a novel adjunct tool for reducing oxidative stress and partially preventing bilateral testicular damage.     

Protective effects of thymoquinone against apoptosis and oxidative stress by arsenic in rat kidney

We aimed to investigate the protective role of thymoquinone (TQ) by targeting its antiapoptotic and antioxidant properties against kidney damage induced by arsenic in rats. We have used the 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were divided into three groups. Physiological serum in 10?mL/kg dose as intragastric was given to the control group. Sodium arsenite (10?mg/kg, intragastric by gavage for fifteen days) was given to the arsenic group. Sodium arsenite (10?mg/kg, intragastric by gavage for fifteen days) and TQ (10?mg/kg, intragastric by gavage for 15 days) was given to the arsenic?+?TQ group. After 15 days, the animals’ kidneys were taken theirs, then we have performed histological and apoptotic assessment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels have examined as the oxidative stress parameters. We have determined the levels of arsenic. Increased renal injury and apoptotic cells have been detected in the arsenic group. Degenerative changes in the arsenic?+?TQ group were diminished. Although the MDA levels were augmented in the arsenic group, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px enzyme activities were lessened than the other groups. Our findings suggest that TQ may impede the oxidative stress, the cells have been damaged and also the generation of apoptotic cells arisen from arsenic. TQ plays a protective role against arsenic-induced toxicity in kidney and may potentially be used as a remedial agent.     

Protective influence of rosiglitazone against testicular ischaemia–reperfusion injury in rats

Testicular torsion is a urology urgent disease which causes testicular injury and potential sterility. In this study, we explored the protective influence of rosiglitazone on testicular ischaemia–reperfusion damage. There were 28 male Sprague Dawley rats in total, which were assigned randomly to four groups. Group A was blank control one; group B was testicular injury one; group C was rosiglitazone one; group D was rosiglitazone antagonist one. The testicles were counter‐rotated after 2 hr and then underwent orchiectomy 24 hr later. We found that testicular tissue structure of rats was seriously damaged in groups B and D. However, group C had better testicular architecture. Similar findings were also shown for lipid peroxidation by evaluating the MDA activity (p < .05). Unlike group B or group D, the levels of inflammation by evaluating the MPO activity, the levels of TNF‐a, IL‐1 and IL‐6 and the expressions of ICAM‐1 were prominently lower in group C (p < .05) as well. So our researches demonstrated that rosiglitazone significantly decreased the amount of responsive oxygen radical and regulated inflammatory responses. Rosiglitazone had a protective influence against testicular ischaemia–reperfusion injury in rats and possibly depended on its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant traits.     

Protective effect of betaine against lead-induced testicular toxicity in male mice

Lead (Pb) is an environmental toxicant reported to impair male reproductive system. Betaine is a natural product which has promising beneficial effects against oxidative stress. In this experimental study, we evaluated the ameliorative effect of betaine on sperm quality and oxidative stress induced by lead (Pb) in the testis of adult male mice. Sixty male Kunming mice were divided equally into four groups: control group, betaine group (1% in drinking water), lead group (100 mg kg⁻¹ bw⁻¹ day⁻¹) and betaine + lead group. In the last group, mice were supplemented with betaine for two weeks prior to the initiation of lead treatment and concurrently during lead treatment for 3 weeks until sacrificed. Our results indicated that in the lead-administrated group, body weights together with sperm count were significantly decreased (p < .05). The numbers of abnormal sperms were found to be higher in lead-treated mice. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (Cat) were significantly reduced, while the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) content was increased in the testis tissue following lead treatment. The mRNA levels of antioxidant-related genes (SOD1, GPX1 and CAT) were significantly decreased in the lead group. Betaine enhanced these parameters in betaine + lead group. In testis histology span, Johnson score was decreased (p < .05) in lead group and co-treatment with betaine increased Johnson score significantly in betaine + lead group. These results indicate that betaine improves sperm quality and ameliorate oxidative damage in testis of mice exposed to lead.     

Protective effects of quercetin against arsenic‐induced testicular damage in rats

This study investigated the effect of quercetin on changes in testes due to arsenic exposure. Twenty‐seven male rats were divided into three groups: control (10 ml kg^?1 day^?1 saline), arsenic (10 mg kg^?1 day^?1 sodium arsenite) and arsenic + quercetin (arsenic + 50 mg kg^?1 day^?1 quercetin). The rats were sacrificed at the end of 15‐day experiment. There was no difference between control group and arsenic group in body weight gain, testicular weight and serum total testosterone level. Quercetin treatment did not cause a significant difference in these parameters. In the arsenic group rats, we determined deterioration in the structure of seminiferous tubules, a decrease in the number of spermatogenic cells, an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, a decrease in the number of PCNA‐positive cells, a decrease in SOD, CAT and GSH‐Px activities, and an increase in the MDA level in testicular tissue. In all these changes, arsenic+quercetin group showed an improved compared to arsenic group. The amount of arsenic increased in the arsenic group was compared to the control group, and there was no difference between arsenic group and arsenic + quercetin group in the amount of arsenic. In conclusion, quercetin prevented arsenic‐induced testicular damage with its anti‐apoptotic and antioxidant effects.     

Protective effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Fumaria parviflora on testicular injury induced by torsion/detorsion in adult rats

This study was designed to determine the effects of daily oral administration (250 mg/kg) of the hydroalcoholic extract of Fumaria parviflora (FP) for 14 days on the sperm parameters, oxidative stress parameters, serum testosterone levels, expression of Bax and Bcl‐2 genes, and apoptosis index of germ cells after testicular torsion–detorsion (ischaemia–reperfusion, IR) injury model in rats. Twenty‐eight adult male Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups of seven each: sham operation, torsion–detorsion (TD), TD plus the hydroalcoholic extract FP (TDFP) and only FP without TD application (FP). Testicular torsion was created by rotating the left testis 720° in a counterclockwise direction; then, after 4 hr, detorsion was performed. The Johnson's score, mean seminiferous tubule diameter (MSTD) and height (thickness) of seminiferous tubule epithelium (HST) were significantly increased in TDFP and FP groups as compared to TD group. The gene expression of Bcl‐2, level of serum testosterone hormone and antioxidant parameters—GPx and SOD—were significantly higher in TDFP and FP groups than TD group. The index of apoptosis, the gene expression of Bax and the level of MDA were significantly higher in TD group than TDFP and FP groups. Therefore, F. parviflora could decrease oxidative stress induced by testicular torsion–detorsion.     

Protective effect of ebselen on experimental testicular torsion and detorsion injury

Ebselen is used as a drug in clinical trials against stroke, reperfusion injury with anti‐atherosclerotic and renoprotective effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of ebselen, on torsion/detorsion (T/D)‐induced biochemical and histopathological changes in experimental testicular ischaemia/reperfusion injury. A total of 28 male Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups: group 1(sham‐operated group, n = 7), group 2(ebselen group, n = 7), group 3(torsion/detorsion + saline, n = 7) and group 4(T/D + 10 mg kg^?1 ebselen group, n = 7). The tissue homogenate samples were used for immediate nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione measurement. Testes in all groups were evaluated for the biochemical assay and histopathological examinations. To evaluate spermatogenesis, Johnsen scoring system was used. Testicular tissue MDA and NO levels in group 3 were significantly higher than in group 1 and 4. In histological evaluation of the testicular tissues, ebselen administration improved tubular histology significantly compared with T/D group. Significant increase in histological score was observed in the testis of group 3 compared with group 1 and 2. Histological score in group 4 significantly decreased compared with group 3. Johnson score was significantly lower in T/D group compared with all other three groups, ebselen administration increased the score significantly compared with T/D group. Ebselen reduced oxidative biochemical and histopathological damage in our testicular T/D rat model.     

Protective effects of melatonin against oxidative injury in rat testis induced by wireless (2.45 GHz) devices

Wireless devices have become part of everyday life and mostly located near reproductive organs while they are in use. The present study was designed to determine the possible protective effects of melatonin on oxidative stress–dependent testis injury induced by 2.45‐GHz electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Thirty‐two rats were equally divided into four different groups, namely cage control (A1), sham control (A2), 2.45‐GHz EMR (B) and 2.45‐GHz EMR+melatonin (C). Group B and C were exposed to 2.45‐GHz EMR during 60 min day^?1 for 30 days. Lipid peroxidation levels were higher in Group B than in Group A1 and A2. Melatonin treatment prevented the increase in the lipid peroxidation induced by EMR. Also reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) levels in Group D were higher than that of exposure group. Vitamin A and E concentrations decreased in exposure group, and melatonin prevented the decrease in vitamin E levels. In conclusion, wireless (2.45 GHz) EMR caused oxidative damage in testis by increasing the levels of lipid peroxidation and decreasing in vitamin A and E levels. Melatonin supplementation prevented oxidative damage induced by EMR and also supported the antioxidant redox system in the testis.     

Therapeutic effect of thymoquinone against lead‐induced testicular histological damage in male Wistar rats

Lead (Pb) is a nonthreshold multi‐targeted toxicant that causes alterations in different organs of the body, especially the gonads. This study was aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of thymoquinone (TQ), the major active ingredient of volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds, against Pb‐induced testicular histological damage. Adult male rats were randomised into four groups as follows: control group received no treatment, Pb group was exposed to 2000 ppm of Pb acetate in drinking water, Pb‐TQ group was cotreated with Pb plus TQ (5 mg/kg/day, per os) and TQ group receiving only TQ. All treatments were applied for five weeks. Results showed that Pb exposure produced morphological changes in the testis, especially degeneration of germinal epithelium, sloughing of germ cells into the lumen of seminiferous tubules and reduction in the number of luminal spermatozoa. Interestingly, coadministration of TQ to the metal‐treated animals prevented the testicular adverse effects. In conclusion, our data indicate for the first time a remarkable protective effect of TQ against Pb‐induced testicular histopathological lesions in rat. On this basis, TQ deserves more consideration and further examination as a potential therapeutic option.     

Protective effects of Urtica dioica L. on experimental testicular ischaemia reperfusion injury in rats

In this study, it was aimed to examine the effects of Urtica dioica L. (UD) that has antioxidant feature in the experimental testicular I/R model in rats in terms of anti‐apoptotic and antioxidative effects. In our study, 24 male rats were divided into three groups: control group, I/R group and I/R + UD (2 mg kg^?1) group. Seminiferous tubule calibre measurement, Johnson score, haematoxylin–eosin staining, proliferative cell nucleus antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical staining and TUNEL as histopathological have been conducted. The structural deterioration in the testicular on I/R group has reduced after the treatment of UD. Our data indicate a significant reduction in the activity of in situ identification of apoptosis using terminal dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL), and there was a rise in the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in testis tissues of UD‐treated rats in the I/R group. The I/R + UD group showed a decrease in malondialdehyde levels and an increase in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in comparison with the I/R group. It could be concluded that protective effects of UD on the I/R testicles are via reduction of histological damage, apoptosis, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.     

Carvedilol protects tubular epithelial cells from ischemia–reperfusion injury by inhibiting oxidative stress

Objectives: Renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI), leading to acute kidney injury, is a frequent complication with renal transplantation and it is associated with graft function. Its pathogenesis involves ischemia, vascular congestion and reactive oxygen metabolites. Carvedilol is an antihypertensive drug with potent anti‐oxidant properties. In this study we investigated the protective effects of carvedilol in a rat renal IRI model. Methods: Twenty‐four rats were randomized into sham, untreated control and carvedilol (2 mg/kg 30 min before surgery and 12 hr after reperfusion) treatment groups and were subjected to 60 min of left renal ischemia followed by reperfusion at 24, 48, 96 and 168 hr. Results: Treatment with carvedilol significantly decreased plasma creatinine levels after IRI (up to 168 hr) compared to controls (P < 0.001), suggesting an improvement in renal function. Histopathological analysis revealed decreased IRI‐induced damage in kidneys from carvedilol‐treated rats. A significant increase in the expression levels of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and reduction of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine and apoptosis levels (P < 0.005) suggested a protective effect after treatment with carvedilol. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that carvedilol ameliorates IRI resulting in improved renal function.     

Protective effects of trapidil in ischemia–reperfusion injury due to testicular torsion and detorsion: An experimental study

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to detect the preventive effects of trapidil in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury due to testicular torsion and detorsion. METHODS: Forty prepubertal albino rats were used. In the IR group, torsion was created by rotating the left testis over 2 h, and detorsion was done by untwisting the testis. Bilateral orchiectomies were performed after 4 h. In study group, 2-h torsion was performed and trapidil was administered as a single dose 1 h before detorsion. Bilateral orchiectomies were performed after 4 h. In the sham group, a sham operation was done. In the sham plus trapidil group, a sham operation was done and trapidil was administered as a single dose. Testicular tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and total sulfhydryl (T-SH) levels were determined for each group. The grades of interstitial injury were determined in histopathologic examination. RESULTS: The NO and MDA levels in the IR group were significantly higher than the study, sham and sham plus trapidil groups in the left testis (P<0.05, P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). A statistical difference was not found among study, sham and sham plus trapidil groups in the left testis in NO and MDA levels (P>0.05). The T-SH level in the study group was significantly higher than in the IR, sham and sham plus trapidil groups in left testis P<0.05). In the IR group (left testis), grade 1 interstitial injury was 30% (3/10), grade 2 injury was 60% (6/10) and grade 3 injury was 10% (1/10). In the study group (left testis), grade 1 interstitial injury was 30% (3/10) and there was no injury in 70% (7/10). CONCLUSION: Trapidil decreased free oxygen radical formation in testicular torsion and detorsion, and attenuated histopathological damage in the ipsilateral twisted testis.     

Protective effects of royal jelly on testicular torsion induced ischaemia reperfusion injury in rats

This study was performed to investigate the protective effects of royal jelly (RJ) on a testicular torsion-induced ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in adult rats. A total of 40 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, including 10 rats in each group: Group 1 (sham), Group 2 (Control), group 3 (I/R rats treated with 100 mg/kg RJ for 50 days after torsion) and group 4( I/R rats treated with 20 mg/kg vitamin C for 50 days after torsion). Testicular torsion was created by rotating the right testes 720° a clockwise direction for 90 min. The levels of testosterone were measured by ELISA. Pathological evaluation, mean maturity and quality of the seminiferous tubules were used. Results showed that the testicular histopathology standards and testosterone levels changes were statistically significant in groups 3 and 4. The results obtained in this study may suggest that RJ like vitamin C had protective effects on a testicular ischaemia/reperfusion-induced injury in rats.     

七氟烷对脑缺血/再灌注损伤的保护机制

七氟烷可能通过类似于缺血预处理的机制、减少兴奋性氨基酸和单胺类递质释放、抑制神经元的凋亡、抑制脑代谢和调节体温等机制对脑缺血／再灌注损伤发挥保护作用。     

Protective effects of Stevia rebaudiana aqueous extract on experimental unilateral testicular ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rats

This project aimed to examine Stevia rebaudiana aqueous extract protective effects on testicular ischaemia/reperfusion injury of rats. Forty rats were randomly divided into five groups: (1) sham group, (2) torsion/detorsion group, (3 and 4) low and high doses treatment groups received S. rebaudiana extract intraperitoneally 30 min before detorsion by 500 and 1,000 mg/kg respectively, and (5) healthy group received the extract by 1,000 mg/kg. In this study, left testes were rotated 2 hr, reperfusion period took long 5 hr, and then orchiectomy was performed. Histopathological and biochemical evaluations of testicular tissue samples were performed. Histopathologically, sham and healthy groups exhibited normal seminiferous tubules. Germinal cell necrosis, interstitial oedema, haemorrhage and congestion were seen in torsion/detorsion group. Testicular tissues of both treatment groups revealed lower histopathological alterations. Significant higher malondialdehyde level was observed in torsion/detorsion group than sham and healthy groups (p < .05). Compared with torsion/detorsion group, S. rebaudiana extract significantly reduced malondialdehyde level in treatment groups (p < .05). Torsion/detorsion group had significantly lower glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities than sham and healthy groups, and these parameters showed significant increase in treatment groups compared with torsion/detorsion group (p < .05). The results revealed S. rebaudiana has this potential to protect the testes from ischaemia/reperfusion injury.     

Protective effect of sitagliptin against renal ischemia reperfusion injury in rats

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of sitagliptin on renal damage induced by renal ischemia reperfusion (I/R) in rats. For this, rats were randomly divided into four groups (n?=?8): (1) sham group, in which the rats only underwent right nephrectomy; (2) right nephrectomy and left kidney ischemia (1?h) and reperfusion (24?h) group (I/R); (3) 5?mg/kg sitagliptin administrated group, per-oral once a day for two weeks; (4) 5?mg/kg sitagliptin administrated group, per-oral once a day for two weeks before left kidney I/R (n?=?8). Sitagliptin-treated rats that underwent renal I/R demonstrated significant decrease in the serum urea nitrogen and creatinine and also, lipid peroxidation, total oxidant status and malondialdehyde level in the renal tissue when compared to the renal I/R group. Additionally, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and total antioxidative capacity were significantly increased after renal I/R in sitagliptin-treated rats. Our histopathological findings were in accordance with these biochemical results. In sum, in the current study all of our results indicated that sitagliptin treatment ameliorated renal damage induced by renal I/R in rats.     

Protective effect of liraglutide on experimental testicular ischaemia reperfusion in rats

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of liraglutide on experimental testicular ischaemia reperfusion in rats in terms of biochemistry, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. A total of 28 male Wistar-Albino rats were divided randomly into 4 groups: control (7), sham (7), ischaemia-reperfusion (7) and ischaemia-reperfusion + liraglutide (7). Biochemically, Nitric Oxide, Malondialdehyde, Superoxide dismutase, Glutathione peroxidase and Catalase levels were measured in the testis. Apoptosis protease activating factor-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase activity were evaluated immunohistochemically as well. Statistical analyses were made via the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. In the reperfusion group, CAT and SOD values were increased (p > .05), NO and MDA values were decreased (p < .05) after administration of liraglutide. In addition, GPx values were significantly increased in ischaemia reperfusion + liraglutide administered group compared to reperfusion group (p < .05). Apaf-1 and iNOS activity were significantly decreased with the addition of liraglutide treatment to the ischaemia-reperfusion group (p < .05). First of all, we would like to say that liraglutide treatment is moderately preventive against I/R injury in testicular torsion. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties of liraglutide are create a moderately protective effect as we show in this study.     

Black soot exposure induced hypothalamic and testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis in male rats

Air pollution constitutes the largest cause of environmental risks today. At present, no scientific publication linking environmental black soot and derangement in the hypothalamus and testis of rats exists. This study investigated the effect of black soot exposure on hypothalamic and testicular functions of male rats exposed to black soot for 4, 8 and 12 weeks respectively. The hypothalamus and testis were processed for biochemical analysis. Results show that black soot exposure for 4, 8 and 12 weeks significantly (p < .05) increased oxidative stress markers both in the testis and in the hypothalamus of rats. Also, black soot exposure significantly (p < .05) decreased the alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase as well as lactate dehydrogenase activities in the testis. Furthermore, the result demonstrated an upregulation of the protein expression of caspase-3, an indication of increased apoptosis which led to the disruption of the histological architecture of the hypothalamus and testis. Taken together, black soot exposure induced hypothalamic and testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis in male rats.