Protective role of Aloe vera against X‐ray induced testicular dysfunction. (13th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bala, S.; Chugh, N. A.; Bansal, S. C.; Garg, M. L.; Koul, A.
• Is Part Of: Andrologia. Volume 49:Number 7(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2016-09-13
• Subjects: Aloe vera -- antioxidant enzymes -- apoptosis -- LDH -- LPO -- X‐ray; Andrology -- Periodicals; Infertility, Male -- Periodicals; 616.69
• DOI: 10.1111/and.12697
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-4569

Abstract

Summary: The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the possible radioprotective potential of an Aloe vera extract against whole‐body X‐ray irradiation‐induced testicular alterations in mice. Male balb/c mice were divided into four groups: control, A. vera, X‐ray and A. vera pre‐treated + X‐ray irradiated. Histopathological examination revealed significant structural alterations in testes after X‐ray exposure, which was also associated with the presence of apoptotic cells as assessed by TUNEL assay. X‐ray irradiation resulted in elevation in the levels of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, a reduction in glutathione concentration and enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione‐S‐transferase. Sperm count/motility and testosterone levels were significantly decreased in the irradiated group. Irradiated animals pre‐treated with A. vera extract revealed an improvement in antioxidant status, inhibition of lipid peroxides, apoptotic cell formation and enhanced testicular parameters when compared to the X‐ray‐exposed group. These findings suggest that A. vera extract could ameliorate X‐ray‐induced damage due to its free radical scavenging properties and its potential to boost cellular antioxidant defence machinery.