Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
Structure-Guided Design and Development of Novel Cyclophilin A Inhibitors and Ganoderiol-F Derivatives: An In-Silico Approach
Published on: June 23, 2026
Lycopene protects against cyclosporine A-induced testicular toxicity in rats
Gaffari Türk1, Ahmet Ateşşahin, Mustafa Sönmez
1Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23119 Elaziğ, Turkey. gturk@firat.edu.tr
Abstract:
Cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced direct failures in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and Sertoli cell phagocytic function have been considered for testicular toxicity so far. It has clearly been reported that oxidative stress leads to damage in sperm functions and structure of the testis. Therefore, this study was conducted to demonstrate whether CsA causes testicular and spermatozoal toxicity associated with the oxidative stress, and to investigate the possible protective effect of lycopene against CsA-induced damages in all reproductive organs and sperm characteristics in male rats. While the daily administration of CsA at the dose 15 mg/kg for 21 days significantly decreased the seminal vesicles weight, epididymal sperm concentration, motility, testicular tissue glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), diameter of seminiferous tubules and germinal cell thickness, it increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level and abnormal sperm rates along with degeneration, necrosis, desquamative germ cells in testicular tissue. However, the CsA along with simultaneous administration of lycopene at the dose of 10mg/kg markedly ameliorated the CsA-induced all the negative changes observed in the testicular tissue, sperm parameters and oxidant/antioxidant balance. In conclusion, CsA-induced oxidative stress leads to the structural and functional damages in the testicular tissue and sperm quality of rats and, lycopene has a potential protective effect on these damages.
Insights
Cyclosporine A causes testicular toxicity and sperm damage via oxidative stress. Lycopene supplementation protected against these harmful effects in male rats.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Oxidative Stress Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cyclosporine A (CsA) is known to induce testicular toxicity, potentially affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and Sertoli cell function.
- Oxidative stress is a recognized mechanism contributing to impaired sperm function and testicular damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if CsA induces testicular and spermatozoal toxicity linked to oxidative stress in male rats.
- To evaluate the protective potential of lycopene against CsA-induced reproductive toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Male rats were administered daily doses of CsA (15 mg/kg) for 21 days.
- Groups also received lycopene (10 mg/kg) simultaneously with CsA.
- Evaluated parameters included reproductive organ weights, sperm characteristics, testicular oxidative stress markers (GSH, GSH-Px, CAT, MDA), and testicular histology.
Main Results:
- CsA administration significantly reduced seminal vesicle weight, sperm concentration, motility, and testicular antioxidant levels (GSH, GSH-Px, CAT).
- CsA increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, abnormal sperm rates, and caused testicular tissue damage (degeneration, necrosis).
- Simultaneous lycopene treatment markedly improved all measured parameters, counteracting CsA-induced toxicity and restoring oxidant/antioxidant balance.
Conclusions:
- CsA-induced oxidative stress is responsible for structural and functional damage to rat testicular tissue and sperm quality.
- Lycopene demonstrates a significant protective effect against CsA-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.