Abstract
Testicular toxicity of methotrexate (MTX) is a clinically important adverse effect. Ginseng has been demonstrated to stimulate spermatogenesis, prevent chemotherapy-induced testicular injury and to possess antiapoptotic and antioxidant actions. Owing to its low bioavailability, ginseng was formulated to nanoform in the current study. As there is no available data about the protective effects of ginseng or ginseng nanoparticles against MTX-induced testicular toxicity, this study was initiated. Seventy-two male rats were enrolled. Rats were given either ginseng (5oo mg/kg/day), or ginseng nanoparticles (125 and 250 mg/kg/day) orally for 28 consecutive days. Rats received a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on day 25. Ginseng and ginseng nanoparticles pre-treatment in rats significantly alleviated the testicular histopathological effects induced by MTX. Also, they significantly restored the impaired spermatogenesis induced by MTX via significantly increasing the Johnsen's tubular biopsy score (JTBS). Ginseng and ginseng nanoparticles treatment prior to MTX administration in rats significantly ameliorated MTX-induced testicular apoptosis by significantly decreasing the percentage of caspase-3-immunostained testicular area. Ginseng and ginseng nanoparticles pretreatment caused nonsignificant increase in serum testosterone levels that were significantly decreased by MTX. The results indicate that ginseng and ginseng nanoparticles protect against MTX-induced testicular toxicity in rats, which is suggested to be through inhibition of MTX-induced testicular apoptosis. The protective effect of ginseng nanoparticles was supposed to be better than ginseng in the given doses.
Highlights
Methotrexate (MTX) is a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drug used to treat a wide variety of malignancies and non-neoplastic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis [1]
This study aimed to evaluate the possible protective effect of ginseng and ginseng nanoparticles against MTX-induced testicular injury in rats
Oral ginseng (500 mg/kg/day) and ginseng nanoparticles (125 and 250 mg/kg/day) pre-treatment significantly restored the impairment of spermatogenesis induced by MTX in rats
Summary
Methotrexate (MTX) is a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drug used to treat a wide variety of malignancies and non-neoplastic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis [1]. It has a narrow therapeutic window and is known for its toxic effects in various organ systems [2]. Several human studies and case reports have documented cases of oligospermia, sexual dysfunction and reversible sterility in men receiving MTX [4]. Several previous studies have reported damage in the seminiferous tubules of testis, decrease in sperm number [5] and sperm DNA damage following MTX administration [2] in addition to a decrease in testosterone concentration [6].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Egyptian Journal of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
