Protective effects of Ceratonia siliqua extract on protamine gene expression, testicular function and testicular histology in doxorubicin-treated adult rats

Abstract Background:  Spermatogenesis is a complex process under the influence of many different genes. Objective: This study was to investigate the possible effects of Ceratonia siliqua hydroalcoholic extract (CSHAE) on protamine gene expression, testicular function and testicular histology in doxorubicin-treated rats.    Materials and Methods: 56 adult male rats (210± 10 g) were divided into 7 groups (n=8/each). The control group left untreated; the sham group  received 0.3ml distilled water intraperitoneally; The negative control group  received 3 mg/kg doxorubicin, intraperitoneally, once a week for 28 days; the positive control group received 600 mg/kg of  CSHAE, orally, for 48 days; the experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 received 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg of  CSHAE,  orally, respectively for 48 days, as well as 3 mg/kg doxorubicin once a week for 28 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used in histological study of testes, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used in measuring serum levels of testosterone. Protamine gene expression was determined by Real Time PCR method. Results: Mean body weight (p=0.009), testicular weight (p<0.001), testicular volume (p<0.001), testosterone level (p=0.022), the count of Leydig (p=0.014), spermatogonia (p =0.046), spermatocyte (p =0.025), and spermatid (p=0.006) cells, as well as protamine gene expression (p=0.008) were significantly increased in experimental group 2 compared to the negative control group. The testicular tissue regeneration was observed in the experimental group 2. Conclusion: CSHAE has protective effect on doxorubicin-induced testicular injuries.  

Keywords:

Ceratonia siliqua , Doxorubicin , Protamine , Testicular injuries , Rat , سراتونیا سیلیکوا , دوکسوربیسین , پروتامین , بیضه , موش صحرایی.