Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Diospyros lotus
(DL) on cisplatin (CP)-induced testicular damage in male rats. Twenty-eight
male rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 – control, given isotonic
saline solution; group 2 – CP 7 mg kg 1 given intraperitoneally as single
dose; group 3 – DL 1000 mg kg 1 per day given orally for 10 days; group 4 –
CP and DL given together at the same doses. CP caused a significant increase in
thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) level and a significant decrease
in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT)
and glutathione (GSH) levels in rats testis tissues compared to the control
group. CP caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation in testis tissues
compared to the control group, whereas DL led to a significant increase in SOD
and GSH levels. However, there were no statistically significant changes in GPx
and CAT levels. In addition, serum testosterone levels, sperm concentration and
sperm motility were significantly decreased, but abnormal sperm rate and histological
changes were increased with CP. However, these effects of CP on sperm
parameters, histological changes and the tissue weights were eliminated by DL
treatment. In conclusion, our study showed that the reproductive toxicity caused
by CP may be prevented by DL treatment.
