The effect of coenzyme Q10 on dexamethasone-induced oxidative stress in rats testes

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress is a contributing factor in 30%–80% of infertile men. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of coenzyme Q10 on dexamethasone-induced oxidative stress in rats testes. Materials and Methods: Sixteen male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of four: group 1 (control) received 1 mL of distilled water daily orally; group 2 received dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally; group 3 received coenzyme Q10 30 mg/kg/day orally; and group 4 received dexamethasone and coenzyme Q10 via the same routes. Testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities as well as testicular histopathological changes were compared among groups. Results: Although testicular SOD was lower in groups 3 and 4, dexamethasone and coenzyme Q10 treatment did not significantly alter TAC, SOD, CAT, or histopathological features of rats testes. Conclusion: Dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg/day) and coenzyme Q10 (30 mg/kg/day) may have no impact on gonadal oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, or spermatogenesis in rats testes with these doses.

Keywords

• antioxidants
• coenzyme q10
• dexamethasone
• oxidative stress
• rats testes