Genetic, biochemical and histopathological evaluations of thymoquinone on male reproduction system damaged by paclitaxel in Wistar rats. (26th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moradi Maryamneghari, Shima; Shokri‐Asl, Vahid; Abdolmaleki, Amir; Jalili, Cyrus
• Is Part Of: Andrologia. Volume 53:Number 10(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-07-26
• Subjects: antioxidant capacity -- paclitaxel -- sperm parameters -- thymoquinone; Andrology -- Periodicals; Infertility, Male -- Periodicals; 616.69
• DOI: 10.1111/and.14192
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-4569

Abstract

Abstract: This study was aimed to evaluate therapeutic effects of thymoquinone on male reproductive damages induced by paclitaxel. Forty‐eight male rats were divided; control, paclitaxel (4 mg/kg), paclitaxel + thymoquinone (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg) and thymoquinone (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg). Paclitaxel and thymoquinone were administrated intraperitoneally for 4 and 14 days respectively. Then, the testes were removed for H&E staining, sperm parameters and apoptotic genes expression assessments. Serum levels of nitric oxide, total antioxidant capacity and testosterone were evaluated, and sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed. Paclitaxel significantly ( p < .05) increased nitric oxide, decreased total antioxidant capacity and reduced testosterone levels than control group. Sperm motility, viability and count were significantly ( p < .05) reduced in paclitaxel group than control. Co‐administration of thymoquinone + paclitaxel caused decreased levels of nitric oxide and increased total antioxidant capacity, testosterone levels and reproductive parameters than paclitaxel group significantly ( p < .05). Paclitaxel significantly ( p < .05) increased caspase‐3 and p‐53 and decreased Bcl‐2 genes expression than control. Sperm DNA fragmentation index was also increased significantly ( p < .05) in paclitaxel group than control, and this value was decreased in whole doses of paclitaxel + thymoquinone groups than paclitaxel. Thymoquinone can alleviate the side effects of paclitaxel on the male reproductive system.