Selenium mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity on sperm quality in mice: An experimental study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Toxicology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Cyclophosphamide (CP), a chemotherapy agent, induces testicular damage and impairs sperm production via oxidative stress.
• Understanding the protective mechanisms against chemotherapy-induced reproductive toxicity is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of selenium, a potent antioxidant, on sperm parameters in adult mice exposed to cyclophosphamide.
• To evaluate selenium's impact on oxidative stress markers and testicular function following CP treatment.

Main Methods:

• Adult male NMRI mice were divided into four groups: control, CP-only, selenium-only, and CP + selenium.
• Mice received daily intraperitoneal injections for 35 days.
• Sperm parameters (motility, count, viability, morphology, DNA integrity), daily sperm production, and serum oxidative stress markers (MDA, TAC) were assessed.

Main Results:

• CP treatment significantly reduced sperm quality, daily sperm production, and antioxidant capacity, while increasing lipid peroxidation (MDA).
• Co-administration of selenium with CP significantly improved all evaluated sperm parameters and antioxidant status compared to the CP-only group.
• Selenium treatment alone did not show adverse effects compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

• Cyclophosphamide induces reproductive toxicity in mice through oxidative stress, significantly impairing spermatogenesis.
• Selenium co-administration effectively mitigates CP-induced testicular damage by enhancing antioxidant defense and improving sperm parameters.
• Selenium shows promise as a protective agent against chemotherapy-induced reproductive toxicity.