Antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of selenium nanoparticles and Lactobacillus casei on mice testis after X-ray

Radiation can lead to various damages in the process of spermatogenesis that lead to a decrease in the number of sperm, an increase in spermatogenesis disorders, and defective sperm function. Radioprotectors are considered a good approach to reducing the damage caused by radiation. The goal of this work was to study how X-ray radiation affects testicular tissue and the process of spermatogenesis, as well as the radioprotective effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) as probiotic compounds, given alone or together. This study included 64 adult Syrian male mice weighing approximately 20 ± 5 g and aged 10 ± 1 weeks. Animals were randomly divided into eight groups: control group, SeNPs, probiotic, SeNPs and probiotic, X-ray radiation, SeNPs (X-ray), probiotic (X-ray), and SeNPs and probiotic (X-ray). Histology parameters and levels of oxidative stress biomarkers such as catalase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were examined. In addition, the level of apoptosis was measured in testicular cells that had been treated with SeNPs and L. casei as a probiotic. The results showed that the administration of SeNPs or probiotic diminished the effects of X-ray radiation. These compounds induced a significant decreased in malondialdehyde, caspase 3, and caspase 9 gene levels and a remarkable increased in catalase, superoxide dismutase, and Catsper gene expression. SeNPs and probiotic exhibited a potent antioxidant effect and elevated the mean number of spermatogonia cells, sperm cell count, spermatogenesis percentage, and sperm motility percentage. The prescribed compound exhibited an ideal radioprotective effect with the ability to reduce the side effects of ionizing radiation and to protect normal tissues. SeNPs and probiotic inhibit testicular injury and improve the antioxidant state in male mice.