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Herbal extracts counteract cisplatin-mediated cell death in rat testis
Amr Amin1, Alaaeldin A Hamza, Amr Kambal
1Biology Department, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 17551, United Arab Emirates. a.amin@uaeu.ac.ae
Aim:
To evaluate the protective effects of ginger (Gin) and roselle (Ros) against testicular damage and oxidative stress in a cisplatin (CIS)-induced rodent model. Their protective effects against CIS-induced apoptosis in testicular and epididymal sperms is also investigated.
Methods:
Ethanol extracts of Gin or Ros (1 g/kg.day) were given orally to male albino rats for 26 days. This period began 21 days before a single CIS intraperitoneal injection (10 mg/kg body weight).
Results:
Gin or Ros given orally significantly restored reproductive function. Both tested extracts notably reduced the CIS-induced reproductive toxicity, as evidenced by restoring the testis normal morphology. In Gin and Ros, the attenuation of CIS-induced damage was associated with less apoptotic cell death both in the testicular tissue and in the sperms. CIS-induced alterations of testicular lipid peroxidation were markedly improved by these plant extracts.
Conclusion:
The present results provide further insights into the mechanisms of protection against CIS-induced reproductive toxicity and confirm the essential anti-oxidant potential of both examined extracts.
Insights
Ginger and roselle extracts protect against cisplatin-induced testicular damage and reproductive toxicity in rodents. These natural compounds exhibit significant antioxidant potential, reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Natural product chemistry
- Oxidative stress research
Background:
- Cisplatin (CIS) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent with known reproductive toxicity.
- Oxidative stress and apoptosis are key mechanisms underlying CIS-induced testicular damage.
- Natural antioxidants may offer protective strategies against drug-induced reproductive toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of ginger (Gin) and roselle (Ros) ethanol extracts against CIS-induced testicular damage and oxidative stress.
- To evaluate the impact of Gin and Ros on CIS-induced apoptosis in testicular and epididymal sperm.
- To assess the potential of these plant extracts as adjunct therapies for mitigating CIS reproductive toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Male albino rats were orally administered ethanol extracts of ginger or roselle (1 g/kg/day) for 26 days.
- Cisplatin (10 mg/kg body weight) was administered intraperitoneally 21 days after the start of extract treatment.
- Reproductive function, testicular morphology, apoptosis, and lipid peroxidation levels were assessed.
Main Results:
- Oral administration of ginger and roselle extracts significantly restored reproductive function in CIS-treated rats.
- Both extracts markedly reduced CIS-induced reproductive toxicity, evidenced by the restoration of normal testicular morphology.
- Treatment with ginger and roselle attenuated CIS-induced damage by decreasing apoptotic cell death in testicular tissue and sperm, and improving testicular lipid peroxidation levels.
Conclusions:
- Ginger and roselle extracts demonstrate significant protective effects against cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in a rodent model.
- The findings highlight the essential antioxidant potential of both ginger and roselle extracts in mitigating drug-induced testicular damage.
- These results provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of protection against chemotherapy-induced reproductive toxicity, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
