Evaluation of Protective Effects of Gallic Acid on Cisplatin-Induced Testicular and Epididymal Damage
Abstract The current study explored the beneficial effects of GA against testis and epididymis toxicity induced by CP treatment. Male rats were into 4 groups (n=7). Control (saline, intraperitoneal), Cisplatin (a single dose of 8 mg/kg/day cisplatin, intraperitoneal), Gallic acid (50 mg/kg Gallic acid orally for 10 days) and Cisplatin+Gallic acid groups. Total number of spermatogonia, Sertoli, Leydig cell and the total volume of testis, seminiferous tubule, interstitial area, and germinal epithelial thickness and numerical densities of caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, 8-OHdG immunopositive cells were calculated. Histopathological examination of the testis and epididymis was performed. MDA and CAT levels are measured in the testis. Also, the testosterone level was measured in the serum of the rats. As a result, a significant decrease was observed in all stereological data, Bcl-2 immunopositive cell number, CAT, and serum testosterone levels in the testis compared to the CP group control group, while a significant increase was observed in the number of caspase-3, Bax, and 8-OHdG immunopositive cells and the level of MDA. However, GA significantly improved these parameters. Our study reveals that GA may improve CP-induced male reproductive toxicity by reducing oxidative stress, suppressing apoptosis and DNA damage, and restoring structural and functional deterioration.