Effects of Thymoquinone and Busulfan on Reproductive Parameters in Male Rats: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Introduction: Busulfan (BUS) is a drug for the treatment of certain cancers and capable to produces free radicals and induces disturbance on some of male reproductive parameters. Thymoquinone (THYM) applies the therapeutic effects by its antioxidant property. Aim: To evaluate the effects of THYM against damage to the male rats’ reproductive parameters induced by BUS. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 64 male Wistar rats were categorised into 8 groups (8 mice in each): normal control (saline) and BUS control (10 mg/kg) groups; THYM groups (4.5, 9, 18 mg/kg) and BUS+THYM group (10 mg/kg BUS+4.5, 9 and 18 mg/kg of THYM). Treatments were applied daily for 5 weeks by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. The sperm parameters, testicular Malondialdehyde (MDA), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), testosterone level and germinal layer height were evaluated and analysed using one-way ANOVA. Results: All parameters reduced significantly in the BUS control group compared to the normal control group (p0.05). Conclusion: THYM attenuates the toxic effects of BUS on some of the male reproductive parameters and it is suggested that THYM may have beneficial effect on reproductive parameters in patients with BUS administration.

Keywords

• antioxidant property
• therapeutic effects
• total antioxidant capacity