The in vitro Effect of Quercetin on the Oxidative Properties of Rat Testicular Tissue

Abstract

In the reproductive tissues, free radicals are formed as a result of exogenous and endogenous effects. Their excessive production leads to a state of imbalance with the body's antioxidant system, leading to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an important factor that affects the condition of male fertility. Preservation and handling of reproductive structures in vitro are accompanied by oxidative damage. Antioxidants are substances that alleviate the effects of oxidative stress and are responsible for slowing the oxidation of biomolecules. The flavonoid quercetin is a bioactive substance exhibiting free radical-quenching activities. This antioxidant is present in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. In this study we analyzed the effect of various concentrations of quercetin (1 μmol/L; 10 μmol/L; 100 μmol/L) on the oxidative properties of testicular tissue in rats. Testes from adult Wistar rats were used. Quercetin-enriched medium was added to the testicular fragments, except for the control group, and the samples were cultured at 37 °C (5% CO2) for 24 hours. Lysates were obtained from the samples and used to determine the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), protein carbonyl production, malondialdehyde production (MDA). In the groups supplemented with quercetin, a significant decrease in ROS (P<0.01), MDA (P<0.01) and protein carbonyls (P<0.01) was observed in comparison to the control group. The total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased (P<0.01) in all experimental samples when compared to the control group. We may conclude that quercetin exhibits antioxidant and antiradical properties by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species and subsequent oxidative damage, as well as by increasing the antioxidant profile of testicular tissue.

Keywords

• oxidative stress
• free radicals
• antioxidants
• quercetin
• testicular tissue
• rats