| Journal: |
European Journal of Pharmacology
elsevier
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Volume: |
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| Abstract: |
Busulfan, an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent, is associated with male reproductive toxicity,
including impaired spermatogenesis and hormonal imbalance. This study aimed to investigate the protective
effects of quercetin, a natural antioxidant flavonoid, against busulfan-induced testicular and epididymal damage
in adult male rats.
Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, Quercetin (70 mg/kg),
Busulfan (10 mg/kg), and Quercetin +Busulfan. Treatments were administered orally for four weeks. Testicular
and epididymal tissues were evaluated histologically, and sperm parameters, oxidative stress markers (MDA,
SOD), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-10), apoptotic proteins (caspase-3, Bax), antiapoptotic (BCL-2) and
serum sex hormones (testosterone, LH,and FSH) were assessed.
Results: Busulfan significantly impaired testicular architecture, reduced sperm count and motility, increased MDA
levels, and decreased SOD activity. It also elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptotic markers while
suppressing serum testosterone, LH, and FSH levels (p < 0.05). Co-administration of quercetin markedly alleviated
histopathological damage, restored sperm quality, reduced oxidative and inflammatory markers, and
normalized hormone levels.
Conclusion: Quercetin demonstrates significant protective effects against busulfan-induced testicular and
epididymal toxicity, likely through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. These
findings support the potential use of quercetin as an adjuvant therapy to mitigate chemotherapy-induced male
infertility.
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