Investigating the Therapeutic Potential of Clove Extract in Mitigating Testicular Injury Associated With Testicular Hypoxia in Male Rats

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to comprehensively assess the therapeutic potential of clove extract in mitigating testicular damage and preserving male reproductive function under hypoxic conditions in male rats. Materials and Methods: We randomly divided 24 male rats into three groups: a hypoxia group that just received normal saline, a hypoxia + clove extract (4 mg/kg) group, and a sham operation group without treatment. After eight weeks, the serum level of oxidative stress parameters was examined, and the testicle histopathological examination, such as seminiferous tubule diameters and epithelium thickness, was assessed. Results: The serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was significantly enhanced in the hypoxic group, and the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) declined (P<0.05). The diameters and thickness of the seminiferous tubule were diminished notably (P<0.05). Johnson’s score decreased in the hypoxic group. Treatment with clove extract also led to improvements in this parameter. Conclusions: Our study provides compelling evidence for the therapeutic potential of clove extract in mitigating testicular injury associated with varicocele-induced testicular hypoxia in male rats.

Keywords

• testis
• hypoxia
• clove
• oxidative stress
• male fertility