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Apocynin Ameliorates Monosodium Glutamate Induced Testis Damage by Impaired Blood-Testis Barrier and Oxidative Stress
Merve Acikel-Elmas1, Salva Asma Algilani1, Begum Sahin1
1Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Icerenkoy Mah., Kayisdagi Cad. No. 32, Atasehir, Istanbul 34752, Turkey.
Background:
the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of apocynin (APO) on hormone levels, the blood-testis barrier, and oxidative biomarkers in monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced testicular degeneration.
Methods:
Sprague Dawley male rats (150-200 g; n = 32) were randomly distributed into four groups: control, APO, MSG, and MSG + APO. MSG and MSG + APO groups were administered MSG (120 mg/kg) for 28 days. Moreover, the APO and MSG + APO groups received APO (25 mg/kg) during the last five days of the experiment. All administrations were via oral gavage. Finally, biochemical analyses were performed based on the determination of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as light and transmission electron microscopic examinations, assessment of sperm parameters, ZO-1, occludin, NOX-2, and TUNEL immunohistochemistry were evaluated.
Results:
MSG increased both the oxidative stress level and apoptosis, decreased cell proliferation, and caused degeneration in testis morphology including in the blood-testis barrier. Administration of apocynin reversed all the deteriorated morphological and biochemical parameters in the MSG + APO group.
Conclusions:
apocynin is considered to prevent testicular degeneration by maintaining the integrity of the blood-testis barrier with balanced hormone and oxidant/antioxidant levels.
