Protective Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Dexamethasone-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Mice

Abstract

Objectives: Protracted and repeated exposure to glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone (Dex) may lead to reproductive dysfunction. In addition, it is a critical cause of male infertility. Grape seed extract (GSE) is an active fraction of a rich source of flavonoids and phenolic procyanidins that is used in traditional Chinese medicine. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of GSE on testis and testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) in mice with establishing dexamethasone. Materials and Methods: To this end, 21 adult male Balb/c mice were divided into control, Dex (7 mg/kg/day i.p), and Dex+GSE (100 mg/kg/d dissolved in 0.5 mL of olive oil) groups. All the animals in the above-mentioned groups were sacrificed after 35 days, followed by evaluating testosterone, FSH, and LH levels, spontaneous acrosomal reaction, and testis stereological structure. Results: Significant changes were observed in the normal range of testosterone, FSH, LH serum levels, spontaneous acrosomal reaction, as well as the number of Sertoli and Leydig cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids in Dex group compared to the control rats. These parameters changed to a less extent in Dex+GSE animals compared to Dex rats as well. Conclusions: Our findings propose that GSE might have a curative potential on the reproductive system function and its impairment. It is regulated by Dex and reproductive-related hormones.

Keywords

• testosterone
• follicle-stimulating hormone
• luteinizing hormone
• dexamethasone
• grape seed extract