Modulating Effect of Gum Arabic on Cisplatin-induced Testicular Damage in Albino Wister Rats

Abstract

The current study has been designed to evaluate the impact of cisplatin on the spermatogenesis, histopathological pictures, DNA damage, and oxidative stress parameters in the testicular tissues for a long period of time. Additionally, we clarify the conservative effect of gum arabic against all of the above toxicological parameters. Twenty male Wister rats were used and divided into four equal groups (n = 5). Group 1 was used as a control negative group. Group 2 was received gum arabic (7.5 mg/kg bwt) daily in drinking water. Group 3 was administered with a single i.p. dose of cisplatin (7 mg/kg bwt). Group 4 was received both cisplatin and gum arabic. Body and testis weights, epididymal sperm analysis, blood testosterone level, testis oxidative stress markers, histopathological pictures, and immunohistochemical staining of the testicular tissues were done. Our results showed that the cisplatin administration led to a significant reduction in the body and testis weights, sperm count, sperm motility, blood testosterone level, and testicular antioxidants. Additionally, it led to a significant elevation of sperm apoptosis, testicular malondialdehyde levels, DNA damage, histopathological alteration, and caspase-3 immunostaining reactions. On the other hand, pretreatment of rats with gum arabic was improved all of the previous parameters. From our findings, we can conclude that the gum arabic could be used as an antioxidant and anti-apoptotic agent to alleviate the toxicity of cisplatin on the testis.