Effect of pumpkin extract regimen on testicular structure and serum biochemical parameters in cyclophosphamide-treated adult rats. (English)

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of pumpkin extract regimen on testicular structure and serum biochemical parameters in cyclophosphamide (CP)-treated adult rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were allocated into 4 groups (n=10). The first group (control) received a single-dose of saline (1 ml); the second group a single dose of CP (100 mg/kg body weight); the third and fourth group pumpkin extract (300 and 600 mg orally, respectively) for 6-week after CP. Histological and morphological structures of the testis, malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), the antioxidant and testosterone levels in serum were evaluated in different groups. Results: Findings of this study showed that the number of germ cells and epithelium thickness in seminiferous tubules were decreased in the CP group compared to the control (P<0.001). These variables increased in the pumpkin extract group compared to the CP group (P<0.001). Pumpkin extract (300 and 600 mg/kg) increased the antioxidant and ROS levels in serum compared to the control and CP groups, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: Pumpkin extract (300 mg/kg) has an antioxidant activity and thus can reduce the adverse effects of CP in testis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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