Can pentoxifylline recover reproductive parameters' damage induced by high-protein diet in male rats?

Abstract

Introduction: Pentoxifylline (PEN) is a xanthine derivative used as a drug to inhibit the inflammatory factors activity, reduce blood viscosity and improve peripheral blood flow. Proteins play the most important role in reproductive parameters. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the effects of PEN against high-protein diet (HPD)-induced damage to the reproductive parameter of male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male rats were randomly divided to 8 groups: sham (normal protein diet) and HPD (35% protein) groups; PEN groups (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and HPD + PEN groups (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg). Animals of the HPD group have fed with high protein daily for 10 months. Daily PEN treatment was injected intraperitoneally. The sperm parameters, spermatogenesis index, total antioxidant capacity, testosterone level and seminiferous tubule diameter were analysed. Results: The values of all reproductive parameters reduced significantly in the HPD group compared to the sham group (P