Histological study on the role of ginger against cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in albino rats

Abstract

Aim of the work Chemotherapy with cisplatin has adverse effects on spermatogenesis. Therefore, this work aimed at investigating the protective role of ginger against cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in male albino rats. Materials and methods Twenty-four adult albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into three groups. The first group served as the control group; the second group was injected with cisplatin (12 mg/kg once); and the third group was injected with cisplatin (12 mg/kg once) and then given ginger (310 mg/kg orally) for 26 days. Testicular specimens were processed for light microscopic examination using H&E. Other specimens were processed for electron microscopic examination. Results Cisplatin had damaging effects on the seminiferous tubules. Some areas of the tubules showed complete depletion of germ cells. Other areas showed some spermatogonia or primary spermatocytes. Sertoli cells showed a variable degree of degenerative changes in the form of destruction of cellular processes and cell junction. Interruption of the nuclear envelope of spermatids and loss of intercellular bridges were noticed. Treating with ginger resulted in normal Sertoli cells and cell junctions. The germ cells lining the tubules were more or less normal except for some intercellular vacuolations. Conclusions The use of ginger has some protective effects on the testicular structure; hence, a larger number of experiments with higher doses of ginger or longer administration period could be beneficial for patients taking chemotherapeutic drugs.