Combined effects of chronic hyperglycaemia and oral aluminium intoxication on testicular tissue and some male reproductive parameters in Wistar rats

Exposure to either environmental toxicants or chronic hyperglycaemia could impair male reproductive function. However, the extent to which exposure to such toxicants, in the presence of pre‐existing metabolic dysfunction, could affect male reproduction is unclear. Streptozotocin‐induced diabetic Wistar rats (12 weeks old) were exposed to oral aluminium chloride at 250 ppm for 30 days; followed by evaluation of caudal epididymal sperm count and motility, assay for serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T) and oestradiol; and assessment of testicular histology. Moreover, blood glucose was evaluated by the glucose oxidase method. In rats treated with streptozotocin (STZ) or aluminium (Al) alone, erosion of testicular parenchyma and stroma was observed. This effect was most severe in diabetic rats simultaneously exposed to Al; coupled with reduced caudal epididymal sperm count that was least in this (STZ+Al) group (18.75 × 10⁶ ml^?1) compared with controls (61.25 × 10⁶ ml^?1; P < 0.05), STZ group or Al group. Moreover, these reproductive perturbations (in the STZ+Al group) were associated with reduced sperm motility and significantly reduced serum FSH (P < 0.05); but elevated serum T and oestradiol (P < 0.05), compared with control. These suggest that diabetes‐induced testicular lesion is exacerbated by simultaneous oral Al toxicity in Wistar rats.     

Dose‐ and time‐dependent effects of Garcinia kola seed extract on sexual behaviour and reproductive parameters in male Wistar rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a crude extract of Garcinia kola on male sexual function after subchronic and chronic treatment periods at different sublethal doses. Adult male Wistar rats were treated orally with 100, 200 and 400 mg kg^?1 of a 70% ethanolic extract of G. kola daily for 56 days. Sexual behaviour studies were performed on days 28 and 50. At termination on day 56, organ weights, sperm count, reproductive hormone levels and testicular histology were assessed. Subchronic and chronic treatment of normal male rats with G. kola extract resulted in overall increase in components of libido, erection and ejaculation in treated rats – with lower doses being more efficient than the higher dose. There was a slight reduction in some components of sexual behaviour with prolonged time of treatment. G. kola treatment at all doses resulted in increased testicular weights, increased sperm count with no change in motility and increased serum testosterone levels with no change in gonadotropin levels. Gross testicular histology was not affected by treatment. We conclude that G. kola seed extract possesses potent aphrodisiac activity in male albino rats with resultant increase in sperm count and testosterone levels.     

Attenuation of the cyproterone acetate‐induced testicular hypofunction by a novel nutraceutical lycopene: a genomic approach

This study was designed to explore the cyproterone acetate (CPA)‐induced andrological hypofunction and its correction by oral administration of lycopene. In this concern, spermatogenic, biochemical, histological and genomic profiles were studied. Cyproterone acetate administration for 1 month helped to develop infertile model rats. A significant recovery was noted in sperm motility, sperm count, sperm viability, hypo‐osmotic swelling tail‐coiled spermatozoa; activities of testicular ?⁵, 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17β‐HSD, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); and levels of conjugated diene (CD), malondialdehyde (MDA), testicular cholesterol and serum testosterone after the administration of lycopene at 1.5 mg/0.5 ml Tween‐80/100 g body weight/day for last 1 month to infertile model rats. Simultaneously, qRT‐PCR study of Bax, Bcl‐2, caspase‐3, ?⁵, 3β‐HSD and 17β‐HSD genes in testicular tissue showed a significant rectification towards the control in CPA‐pre‐treated cum CPA–lycopene‐cotreated rats. Side‐by‐side histological and histometric studies showed a significant correction in qualitative analysis of spermatogenesis and seminiferous tubular diameter (STD) in CPA‐pre‐treated cum CPA–lycopene‐cotreated rats. Lycopene showed outstanding efficacy in the management of CPA‐induced testicular hypofunction with special reference to correction in oxidative stress‐induced testicular apoptosis at genomic level.     

Effect of kolaviron,a biflavonoid complex from Garcinia kola seeds,on the antioxidant,hormonal and spermatogenic indices of diabetic male rats

The antihyperglycaemic effect of kolaviron (KV), a biflavonoid from Garcinia kola has been established in previous studies. In this study, we investigated the effect of KV (200 mg kg^?1) on the antioxidant, hormonal and spermatogenic indices of alloxan‐diabetic male rats, and metformin hydrochloride (MET) (30 mg kg^?1) served as standard drug. The results showed that KV and MET significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the fasting blood glucose of the diabetic rats. Also, untreated and MET‐treated diabetic groups had significantly (P < 0.05) lower body‐weight gain and relative weights of testes. In addition, epididymal sperm abnormalities were increased, whereas sperm count, motility, testicular protein and sialic acid were decreased in untreated diabetic group. Also, antioxidant parameters, reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione‐S‐transferase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the testes with a concomitant increase in lipid peroxidation in untreated diabetic group. Furthermore, untreated diabetic group had significantly (P < 0.05) lower levels of testosterone, luteinising and follicle‐stimulating hormones relative to controls. Treatment with KV restored the relative weights of testes, activities of antioxidant enzymes, sperm and hormonal indices of the diabetic animals. This study demonstrated the role of KV to promote fertility in diabetic male rats by enhancing the hormonal and antioxidant status of the rats.     

Ferulic acid prevents lead‐induced testicular oxidative stress and suppressed spermatogenesis in rats

Lead affects multiple organ systems including testis. We investigated the effects of ferulic acid (FA) on lead‐induced oxidative stress and spermatogenesis suppression in rats. Animals received lead acetate (500 mg/L in drinking water) and/or FA (50 mg/kg, i.g.) for eight weeks. Lead increased testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite levels and decreased glutathione (GSH) content and catalase (CAT) activity. Lead decreased testis weight and testosterone level. Sperm parameters decreased in lead group. FA ameliorated the decreased testis weight, serum testosterone as well as sperm count, viability, motility and normal morphology in lead group. FA improved antioxidant capacity as well as sperm count, viability, motility and normal morphology. FA decreased Johnsen's mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS) criteria by restoring degeneration, atrophy and tubular disarrangement. FA also normalised spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids numbers in lead group and led to increases in number of Leydig and Sertoli cells. FA showed beneficial effects in lead‐induced testicular oxidative stress and spermatological disorders, through inhibiting lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant defence systems. The positive effects of FA on Leydig cells may be involved in restoring testosterone levels in lead group. FA can be considered a potential candidate to protect testis against the deleterious effect of lead intoxication.     

Melatonin prevents gentamicin‐induced testicular toxicity and oxidative stress in rats

This study investigated the protective effects of melatonin (MT) against gentamicin (GM)‐induced testicular toxicity and oxidative damage in rats. GM (100 mg kg^?1) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) to rats for 6 days. MT (15 mg kg^?1) was administered i.p. to rats for 6 days at 1 hr after the GM treatment. GM caused a decrease in prostate and seminal vesicle weights, sperm count and sperm motility. Histopathological examination showed various morphological alterations in the testis, characterised by degeneration of spermatogonia/spermatocytes, decrease in the number of early spermatogenic cells and vacuolisation. In addition, an increased malondialdehyde concentration and decreased glutathione content and glutathione reductase, catalase and glutathione‐S‐transferase activities were found in the testis. In contrast, MT treatment significantly attenuated the testicular toxicity of GM, including decreased reproductive organ weights, sperm count, and sperm motility and increased histopathological alterations. MT also had an antioxidant benefit by decreasing the lipid peroxidative product malondialdehyde and increasing the level of the antioxidant glutathione and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the testis. These results indicate that MT prevents testicular toxicity induced by GM in rats, presumably due to its potent antioxidant activity, and its ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation, and restore antioxidant enzyme activity.     

Protective effects of Artocarpus altilis (Moraceae) on cadmium‐induced changes in sperm characteristics and testicular oxidative damage in rats

Cadmium (Cd) is a major environmental toxicant and an endocrine disruptor. We investigated the protective effects of methanol extract of Artocarpus altilis (AA) against Cd‐induced testicular damage in rats while quercetin (Que) served as standard. The total flavonoids and phenolic contents (TFC and TPC), 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl (OH) radicals scavenging activities of AA were determined. In vivo, thirty male Wistar rats were assigned to six groups and orally treated with corn oil (control), Cd alone, Cd+Que, Cd+AA, Que and AA alone. Que and AA were given at doses of 25 and 200 mg kg^?1, respectively, for 3 weeks and challenged with two doses of Cd (1.5 mg kg^?1). Results showed that TFC and TPC of AA increased with increase in concentration. AA scavenged DPPH and OH radicals in a dose‐dependent manner. Administration of Cd significantly increased the relative weight of testis of rats. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased while antioxidant parameters decreased in testis of Cd‐treated rats. Also, Cd‐treated rats had significantly reduced sperm count, motility, sialic acid, luteinising hormone and testosterone relative to controls. Pre‐treatment with AA or Que significantly attenuated the biochemical alterations observed in Cd‐treated rats. Overall, AA protects against Cd‐induced testicular damage via antioxidative mechanism.     

Effect of Kaempferia parviflora on sexual performance in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic male rats

Kaempferia parviflora Wall. Ex.Baker or Krachidum (KP) has been used locally in medicine and food. It has been claimed that KP has aphrodisia properties; however, no scientific data in support of this function in diabetic model have been reported. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of KP on sexual behaviour and sperm parameter in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic male rats. Diabetes was induced in twenty male rats by STZ and divided into four groups: diabetic control group, and 3 treatment groups where KP was dose at 140, 280 and 420 mg/kg orally once a day for 6 weeks. Five normal control rats were treated with vehicle. The body weight, blood glucose, food intake, epididymal sperm parameter, sexual behaviour and serum testosterone level were evaluated. The results showed that KP treatment has no effect on the body weight, blood glucose and food intake in diabetic rats. A significant increase in sperm density in diabetic rats was observed (p < .05) at highest dose of KP. Furthermore, KP treatment demonstrated a significant recovery of sexual behaviour and serum testosterone levels in diabetic rats. These results confirm that KP exhibits aphrodisiac properties that improve the sperm density, testosterone level and sexual performance of STZ‐induced diabetic rats.     

Protective effect of alpha glucosyl hesperidin (G‐hesperidin) on chronic vanadium induced testicular toxicity and sperm nuclear DNA damage in male Sprague Dawley rats

The study was conducted to evaluate the vanadium‐induced testicular toxicity and its effect on sperm parameters, sperm nuclear DNA damage and histological alterations in Sprague Dawley rats and to assess the protective effect of G‐hesperidin against this damage. Treatment of rats with vanadium at a dose of 1 mg kg bw^?1 for 90 days resulted in significant reduction in serum testosterone levels, sperm count and motility. Further, a parallel increase in abnormal sperm morphology and adverse histopathological changes in testis was also associated with vanadium administration when compared to normal control. Moreover, sperm chromatin dispersion assay revealed that vanadium induces sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation. A marked increase in testicular malondialdehyde levels and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase indicates vanadium‐induced oxidative stress. Co‐administration of G‐hesperidin at a dose of 25 and 50 mg kg bw^?1 significantly attenuated the sperm parameters and histological changes by restoring the antioxidant levels in rat testis. These results suggested that vanadium exposure caused reduced bioavailability of androgens to the tissue and increased free radical formation, thereby causing structural and functional changes in spermatozoa. G‐hesperidin exhibited antioxidant effect by protecting the rat testis against vanadium‐induced oxidative damage, further ensures antioxidant potential of bioflavonoids.     

Effect of etodolac hydrazone,a new compound synthesised from etodolac,on spermatozoon quality,testicular lipid peroxidation,apoptosis and spermatozoon DNA integrity

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of etodolac hydrazone (EH), a new compound synthesised from etodolac, on spermatozoon quality, testicular lipid peroxidation, apoptosis and spermatozoon DNA integrity in rats. Group 1 (n = 8) received 1 ml dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) daily (Control); group 2 (n = 8) was treated with 5 mg kg^?1 day^?1 EH, dissolved in 1 ml DMSO (EH‐5); and group 3 (n = 8) was treated with 10 mg kg^?1 day^?1 EH, dissolved in 1 ml DMSO (EH‐10). All administrations were performed by gavage and maintained for 8 weeks. Both doses of EH administration caused significant decreases in absolute and relative weights of testis, whole epididymis, right cauda epididymis, and spermatozoon motility, spermatozoon count in comparison with the control group. Only 10 mg kg^?1 day^?1 EH administration caused significant decreases in absolute and relative weights of seminal vesicles and serum testosterone level, and significant increases in testicular lipid peroxidation level, and numbers of TUNEL+ apoptotic germ cells and spermatozoa with damaged DNA along with some histopathological damages when compared to the control group. However, body and ventral prostate weight, and testicular antioxidant markers (glutathione, glutathione‐peroxidase and catalase), were unaffected significantly by both doses of EH administration. In conclusion, two different doses of EH, in particular its high dose, damage to testicular spermatogenic cells and spermatozoon DNA and, it decreases spermatozoon motility, count and testosterone level in healthy rats.     

Effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) bark oil on testicular antioxidant values,apoptotic germ cell and sperm quality

Cinnamon and its contents have multifactorial properties such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antidiabetic. Male infertility is one of the major health problems in life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of long‐term cinnamon bark oil (CBO) ingestion on testicular antioxidant values, apoptotic germ cell and sperm quality of adult rats. Twelve male healthy Wistar rats were divided into two groups, each group containing six rats. While olive oil was given to control group, 100 mg kg^?1 CBO was administered to the other group by gavage daily for 10 weeks. Body and reproductive organ weights, sperm characteristics, testicular lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities, and testicular apoptosis via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) method were examined. A significant decrease in malondialdehyde level and marked increases in reduced glutathione level, glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities were observed in rats treated with CBO compared with the control group. CBO consumption provided a significant increase in weights of testes and epididymides, epididymal sperm concentration, sperm motility and diameter of seminiferous tubules when compared with the control group. However, CBO consumption tended to decrease the abnormal sperm rate and apoptotic germ cell count, but it did not reach statistical significance. It is concluded that CBO has improvement effect on testicular oxidant–antioxidant balance and sperm quality, and its consumption may be useful for asthenozoospermic men.     

Antioxidant effect of manganese on the testis structure and sperm parameters of formalin‐treated mice

Manganese inhibits oxidative stress damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of manganese on testis structure and sperm parameters in adult mice exposed to formaldehyde (FA). Twenty adult male NMRI mice were selected and randomly divided into four groups: (i) control; (ii) sham; (iii) ‘FA’‐exposed group; and (iv) ‘FA and manganese chloride’‐exposed group. The FA‐exposed groups received 10 mg kg^?1 FA daily for 14 days, and manganese chloride was just injected intraperitoneally 5 mg kg^?1 on 2nd weeks. Mice were sacrificed, and spermatozoa were collected from the cauda of the right epididymis and analysed for count, motility, morphology and viability. The other testicular tissues were weighed and prepared for histological examination upon removal. Seminiferous tubules, lumen diameters and epithelium thickness were also measured. The findings revealed that FA significantly reduced the testicular weight, sperm count, motility, viability and normal morphology compared with control group (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, seminiferous tubules atrophied and seminiferous epithelial cells disintegrated in the FA group in comparison with the control group (P ≤ 0.05). However, manganese improved the testicular structure and sperm parameters in FA‐treated mice testes (P ≤ 0.05). According to the results, manganese may improve and protect mice epididymal sperm parameters and testis structure treated with FA respectively.     

Dose‐dependent effects of ethanol extract of Salvia haematodes Wall roots on reproductive function and copulatory behaviour in male rats

This study was aimed to investigate the dose‐dependent effects of Salvia haematodes Wall roots (SHW) extract on male reproductive function and copulatory behaviour in rats. Sexually mature males were assigned to four groups: control and treated (5, 50 and 300 mg kg^?1 day^?1 for 30 days). At the end of treatment regimes, the reproductive activity viz. body/organ weights, testicular spermatogenesis, daily sperm production rate (DSP) and epididymal sperm counts, and sexual behaviour including mounting latency (ML), mounting frequency (MF), intromission latency (IL), intromission frequency (IF), ejaculation latency (EL), post‐ejaculatory interval (PEI) and penile reflexes (PE) were assessed. Results showed significant increase in body weight (at 300 mg kg^?1), testis/epididymis weights (at 50 and 300 mg kg^?1), testicular spermatids, DSP, tubular diameter and epididymal sperm counts (at 50 and 300 mg kg^?1doses) in treated compared with control rats. It also produced dose‐dependant changes in sexual behaviour. The 5 mg kg^?1 dose of extract increased MF and PE, whereas 50 and 300 kg^?1 doses caused significant increase in MF, IF, PE, EL (but less than sildenafil citrate treatment), hit rate and seminal plug weight. It is concluded that SHW extract enhances anabolic activity, testicular function and sexual behavioural performance in a dose‐dependant manner.     

Effects of Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil on some epididymal sperm parameters and histopathology of testes following experimentally induced copper poisoning in mice

Copper overload can cause sperm cell damage by inducing oxidative stress. On the other hand, cumin has a good antioxidant potential. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cumin on sperm quality and testicular tissue following experimentally induced copper poisoning in mice. Forty‐eight mature male mice were divided into four equal groups as follows: group Cu which received 0.1 ml copper sulphate at dose of 100 mg kg^?1, group Cc which received Cuminum cyminum at dose of 1 mg kg^?1, treatment group which received copper sulphate (100 mg kg^?1) and treated with Cuminum cyminum (1 mg kg^?1), and control group which received the same volume of normal saline. Six mice in each group were sacrificed at week 4 and week 6. The results showed that sperm concentration, motility and viability in group Cu were significantly decreased at weeks 4 and 6, and severe degenerative changes were observed in testicular tissues in comparison with the control group. In treatment group, significant improvement in the sperm count, motility and viability, and normal architecture in most seminiferous tubules with organised epithelium was observed compared to the group Cu. The sperm quality parameters in the treatment group approached those of the control group.     

Quercetin mitigates fenitrothion‐induced testicular toxicity in rats

Fenitrothion (FNT) is a widely used organophosphorus pesticide in agriculture. Quercetin (QR), a plant‐derived flavonoid, has a free radical scavenging property. This study investigated the protective effect of QR on FNT‐induced testicular toxicity in rats. Twenty‐four male rats were divided into four groups. Group I (control) received normal saline. Group II was administered QR at the dose of 50 mg kg^?1 b.wt. Group III was orally administered FNT (20 mg kg^?1 b.wt). Group IV was gavaged FNT and QR together at the same doses. All administrations were performed daily by gavage and maintained for 70 days. Sperm parameters and histopathological changes in testes were investigated. Serum testosterone and luteinising hormone were estimated using radioimmunoassay kits. In testes, expressions of steroidogenic genes (3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 6, 17 β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 and steroidogenic factor‐1) and oxidative stress genes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) were determined using real‐time PCR. FNT administration caused significant decreases in sperm count, motility and hormonal levels, a significant increase in abnormal sperm morphology and a significant down‐regulation of steroidogenic and antioxidant genes in the testis. However, QR administration ameliorated FNT‐induced toxic effects. Our results concluded that QR effectively mitigated testicular damage induced by FNT in rats.     

Ameliorative effect of polydatin on oxidative stress‐mediated testicular damage by chronic arsenic exposure in rats

Arsenic causes lipid peroxidation leading to alterations in antioxidant status in organisms. In this study, the reproductive effects of chronic exposure to arsenic and the protective effects of polydatin (PD) were evaluated in 35 Wistar male rats, which were divided equally into five groups. The control group received a normal diet and tap water, arsenic (100 mg l^?1, approximately 1/50 of oral LD₅₀) was given via drinking water to experimental groups except control group, and PD was orally given to the other groups at dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg kg^?1 for 60 days. Arsenic administration decreased sperm motility, glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in testicular tissue of rats. In contrast, malondialdehyde level and DNA damage were found to be high levels in arsenic‐treated group. Histopathologically, it was observed that decreased sperm concentration and degeneration of Sertoli cells in testicular tissue. PD administration, partially 200 mg kg^?1, reversed arsenic‐induced lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, antioxidant enzyme activity and cell integrity in testis of rats. These results demonstrate that PD decreases arsenic‐induced lipid peroxidation, enhances the antioxidant defence mechanism and regenerates tissue damage in testis of rats.     

Quercetin prevents docetaxel‐induced testicular damage in rats

The protective effect of quercetin on docetaxel – an anticancer agent – induced testicular damage in rats was investigated. Thirty‐two rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 – control, carrier solutions were given; group 2 – quarcetin 20 mg kg^?1 day^?1 was given orally; group 3 – docetaxel 5 mg kg^?1 was given intraperitoneally as single dose; group 4 – docetaxel and quarcetin were given together. The histopathological changes; the specific biochemical markers, including antioxidants; and the sperm characteristics were evaluated. Docetaxel caused a significant increase in TBARS level and a significant decrease in SOD, GPX, CAT and GSH levels in the testicular tissues compared with the control group, whereas quercetin led to a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation, which was caused by docetaxel, via reducing TBARS level and increasing the levels of SOD, CAT, GPX and GSH. In addition, after docetaxel administration, sperm motility, sperm concentration, testicular and epididymis weights were significantly decreased and abnormal sperm rate and histopathological changes were increased. However, these effects of docetaxel on sperm parameters, histological changes and the tissue weights were eliminated by quercetin treatment. Our results show that the administration of docetaxel induced the testicular damage (oxidative stress, testes tissue damage and sperm parameters), and quercetin prevented docetaxel‐induced testicular damage in rats.     

Oral administration of Moringa oleifera oil but not coconut oil prevents mercury‐induced testicular toxicity in rats

This study was conducted to compare the effects of administration of coconut oil (CO) and Moringa oleifera oil (MO) on testicular oxidative stress, sperm quality and steroidogenesis parameters in rats treated with mercury chloride (HgCl₂). After 15 days of oral administration of CO (2 ml kg^?1 body weight) and MO (2 ml kg^?1 body weight) along with intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of HgCl₂ (5 mg kg^?1 body weight) alone or in combination, we found that CO treatment did not protect against HgCl₂‐induced poor sperm quality (motility, count) as well as decreased testosterone level and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) activity. Treatment with CO alone decreased glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activities and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in rat's testis, whereas MO did not change these parameters. Cotreatment with MO prevented HgCl₂‐induced testicular catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, poor sperm quality and low testosterone level and also blocks the adverse effect of CO+HgCl₂ (2 ml kg^?1 body weight + 5 mg kg^?1 body weight) on the investigated endpoints. In conclusion, MO and not CO decreased the deleterious effects of HgCl₂ on sperm quality and steroidogenesis in rats and also strengthen the antioxidant defence of the testes. Therefore, MO is beneficial as an antioxidant in HgCl₂‐induced oxidative damage.     

Protective role of Diospyros lotus on cisplatin‐induced changes in sperm characteristics,testicular damage and oxidative stress in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Diospyros lotus (DL) on cisplatin (CP)‐induced testicular damage in male rats. Twenty‐eight male rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 – control, given isotonic saline solution; group 2 – CP 7 mg kg⁻¹ given intraperitoneally as single dose; group 3 – DL 1000 mg kg⁻¹ per day given orally for 10 days; group 4 – CP and DL given together at the same doses. CP caused a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) level and a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels in rats testis tissues compared to the control group. CP caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation in testis tissues compared to the control group, whereas DL led to a significant increase in SOD and GSH levels. However, there were no statistically significant changes in GPx and CAT levels. In addition, serum testosterone levels, sperm concentration and sperm motility were significantly decreased, but abnormal sperm rate and histological changes were increased with CP. However, these effects of CP on sperm parameters, histological changes and the tissue weights were eliminated by DL treatment. In conclusion, our study showed that the reproductive toxicity caused by CP may be prevented by DL treatment.     

Quercetin and rutin ameliorates sulphasalazine‐induced spermiotoxicity,alterations in reproductive hormones and steroidogenic enzyme imbalance in rats

Certain dietary flavonoids exhibit protective potentials against drug‐induced male reproductive toxicities. We investigated the protective effects of quercetin and rutin on sulphasalazine‐induced alterations in steroidogenic enzyme activity, hormone profile and spermiotoxicity in rats. Sulphasalazine (SASP, 600 mg/kg bw) was administered alone or in combination with quercetin (20 mg/kg bw) or rutin (10 mg/kg bw) for 14 days. SASP treatment significantly increased relative weights of the epididymis and seminal vesicles. Also, testicular and epididymal sperm numbers (TSN, ESN), motility, daily sperm production (DSP) and acrosome reaction (AR) significantly decreased. SASP altered plasma testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) levels while testicular cholesterol levels, 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) and 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD) activities were decreased. Elevated malondialdehyde levels and concomitant decrease in reduced glutathione, glutathione‐S‐transferase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were evident in testis and epididymis of SASP‐treated rats. Quercetin or rutin co‐treatment with SASP significantly reversed organ weights, preserved sperm integrity, restored plasma hormone levels and increased cholesterol levels, 3β‐HSD and 17β‐HSD activities in testis. Both flavonoids also prevented oxidative stress in testis and epididymis of SASP‐treated rats. Quercetin and rutin protect against the negative effects of SASP treatment on reproductive capacity in male rats.