The Protective Effect of Quercetin on Sperm Parameters and Serum Biochemical Factors in Adult Mice Treated with Cyclophosphamide

Cyclophosphamide is an anticancer medication that despite its wide range of uses, causes reproductive toxicity. One of its most important effects is oxidative stress, which causes biochemical and physiological disorders of sperm. We can use antioxidants to reduce the oxidative effect. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of quercetin as a powerful antioxidant on sperm parameters and serum biochemical factors in mature adult mice following the treatment with cyclophosphamide. In this study, ۲۴ mature adult male NMRI mice, were randomly divided into ۴ groups (n=۶), including control group, group received cyclophosphamide (dose ۱۰۰ mg/kg/week), group received quercetin (dose ۵۰ mg/kg/day) and group received cyclophosphamide + quercetin. ۳۵ day after the treatment and intraperitoneal injection, the serum samples were collected to measure the testosterone level, total anti-oxidant capacity and malondialdehyde level. The left testis was used to measure daily sperm production (DSP) and left caudal epididymis was cut in the Ham’s F۱۰ medium, then the released spermatozoa were used to analyze the sperm parameters. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test at a significance level of p<۰.۰۵. In this experimental study, a significant decrease was observed in the mean sperm count, viability, normal morphology, motility, and daily sperm production, serum testosterone level and total antioxidant capacity and a significant increase was seen in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the cyclophosphamide group compared to the control group. The results of this study showed that quercetin, as a strong antioxidant, could ameliorate the adverse effects of cyclophosphamide on sperm parameters and serum biochemical factors in mice.

Keywords:

Antioxidant , Malondialdehyde , Testosterone