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Selenium and a newly synthesized Thiocyanoacetamide reduce Doxorubicin gonadotoxicity in male rat
Marwa Boussada1, Ridha Ben Ali2, Azaa Ben Said3
1Histology, Embryology and Cell Biology Laboratory, Medicine School, University of Tunis El Manar, Jabbari Jebel Lakhdar Street 15, 1007 Tunis, Tunisia.
Abstract:
Despite its deleterious effect on healthy cells and highly regenerating cells such as spermatozoa, Doxorubicin (DOX) is still one of the most used anticancer drugs in the last decades. The present work aimed to investigate the ability of the selenium (Se) and the thiocyanoacetamide (T) to reduce DOX toxicity in gonad. Adult male rats were treated with DOX intravenously (i.v.) at 3.7mg/kg/week associated with Se intragastrically (i.g.) at 0.2mg/kg/day or with T at 10mg/kg/day i.g. After 47days of treatment, sperm quality, biochemical parameters, blood cell count and histological changes in liver, testis and epididymis were assessed. The results showed a poor sperm quality, a perturbation of ionic stability and a significant alteration of lipid metabolism and hematological parameters after the sub-chronic administration of DOX. In testis, DOX exerted serious epithelium damage and numerous seminiferous tubules did not present a normal spermatogenesis. In epididymis, epithelium was altered and mastocytes infiltrated the interstitium. DOX did not exert any significant change in liver except dilatations of sinusoid capillaries. DOX association with Se or T reduced its toxicity on some hematological and biochemical parameters. Both combined treatment improved sperm quality and partially restored spermatogenesis as well as testis and epididymis' normal aspect. These findings brought new sights regarding the effect of Se and a new derivative of T in a combined treatment with DOX on germ cells, gonad and liver. The support of these relevant outcomes with further in vitro studies is necessary to highlight the accurate process involved in Se or T protection against DOX induced damages.
Insights
Selenium (Se) and thiocyanoacetamide (T) supplementation can mitigate Doxorubicin (DOX) induced toxicity in male rats. Combined treatments improved sperm quality and partially restored spermatogenesis, offering protective effects on the gonads and liver.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used anticancer drug with known toxicity to healthy and regenerating cells, including spermatozoa.
- DOX administration can lead to impaired sperm quality, altered biochemical parameters, and histological damage in reproductive organs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of selenium (Se) and thiocyanoacetamide (T) against Doxorubicin (DOX) induced toxicity in the gonads of adult male rats.
- To assess the impact of combined Se or T treatment with DOX on sperm quality, biochemical markers, hematology, and organ histology.
Main Methods:
- Adult male rats were administered Doxorubicin (DOX) intravenously, with concurrent intragastric administration of either selenium (Se) or thiocyanoacetamide (T) for 47 days.
- Evaluations included sperm quality analysis, biochemical assays, complete blood cell counts, and histological examination of the liver, testis, and epididymis.
Main Results:
- Doxorubicin (DOX) treatment resulted in poor sperm quality, disrupted ionic balance, altered lipid metabolism, and hematological abnormalities.
- Histological analysis revealed significant testicular epithelium damage, impaired spermatogenesis, and epididymal alterations with mastocyte infiltration following DOX administration.
- Combined treatment with Se or T partially ameliorated DOX-induced toxicity, improving sperm parameters and restoring testicular and epididymal histology.
Conclusions:
- Selenium (Se) and thiocyanoacetamide (T) demonstrate protective potential against Doxorubicin (DOX) induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.
- Combined Se or T and DOX treatment improved sperm quality and partially restored spermatogenesis, suggesting a therapeutic benefit.
- Further in vitro studies are warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the protective effects of Se and T against DOX-induced damage.
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