Fenugreek seed extract attenuates cisplatin-induced testicular damage in Wistar rats

Cisplatin (CIS) provides oxidative stress and inflammations in testicular tissues. Fenugreek seed extract (FSE) is a widely used herbal medicine with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects and the possible mechanisms of FSE against CIS-induced testicular damage in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were given vehicle, single dose of CIS alone (10 mg kg(-1)), single dose of FSE alone or single dose of CIS followed by FSE (50, 100 or 200 mg kg(-1)) every day for 5 days. On day 6, oxidative stress and apoptotic testicular toxicity were evaluated. FSE attenuated both germ cell degenerations and apoptosis in seminiferous tubules in CIS-treated rats. Furthermore, FSE counteracted CIS-induced oxidative stress in rats as assessed by the restoration of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and reduction in the myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels in testes. CIS increased expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nuclear factor-kappa B in testicular tissues. Importantly, treatment with FSE at all doses effectively alleviated all of these inflammatory parameters in testes. Based on these results, we concluded that FSE reduces CIS-induced reproductive toxicity in rats by the suppression of testicular oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammations.