Effects of ivermectin and its combination with alpha lipoic acid on expression of IGFBP‐3 and HSPA1 genes and male rat fertility

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ivermectin (IVM) with therapeutic dose (injected with 0.56 mg/kg b.wt.) either alone or combined with alpha lipoic acid (ALA) (50 mg/kg b.wt daily) on expression of testicular insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) and heat‐shock protein A1 (HSPA1)) genes in the testes, as well as on male rat fertility parameters. Results revealed that expression levels of IGFBP‐3 and HSPA1 were significantly increased in testis of the IVM‐treated group relative to the control group. Furthermore, injection of ivermectin showed a significant decrease in serum testosterone level, sperm count, motility %, live sperm% and index weight of reproductive organs, and a significant increase in sperm abnormalities. Moreover, IVM induced oxidative stress and pathological alterations in the testes. Meanwhile, the administration of ALA with IVM prevented testicular damage and improved all previous parameters. We concluded that ivermectin has undesirable effects on male fertility and altered expression of IGFBP‐3 and HSPA1 genes in the testes, while the administration of alpha lipoic acid can ameliorate the adverse effects of ivermectin.