Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract Busulfan is known to cause several adverse effects including reproductive toxicity in humans. Garlic (Allium sativum), a widely distributed medicinal plant, is highly regarded for its medicinal activities including antioxidant property.This study was conducted to assess whether garlic extract could serve as protective agents against testicular toxicity during busulfan treatment in a mice model.Seventy-two adult male mice were randomly divided into nine groups. In groups 1,2 and 3, distilled water, busulfan, and dimethyl sulfoxide and in the treatment groups hydro-alcoholic extract of garlic was administered orally at different doses per day (groups 4, 5 and 6; 200, 400, 800 mg kg^-1 respectively). Groups 7, 8 and 9 were treated with the extract (200, 400 and 800 mg kg^-1, respectively) plus busulfan. Following euthanasia, blood samples and epididymal sperm were collected.The busulfan-treated group showed significant decreases in sperm qualityparameters, and serum levels of testosterone, LH and FSH was observed in the busulfan-treated mice. In addition, the TAC levels and antioxidant enzymes activities were reduced and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were increased in the busulfan-treated mice. Notably, garlic extract co-administration caused a considerable recovery in sperm qualityparameters, TAC levels, antioxidant enzymes activities, hormonal changes and MDA level. Based on our results, garlic has antioxidant effects against busulfan-induced testicular damages in mice.

Abstract Busulfan is an alkylating agent affects ovarian follicles growth by oxidative stress induction. Satureja khuzestanica has antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to examine whether S. khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) exhibits protective effects on busulfan-induced ovarian failure. Eighty-four adult female mice were divided into six groups including dimethyl sulfoxide (control), SKEO 225.00 mg kg^-1 (orally), busulfan 3.00 mg kg^-1 (orally), busulfan 36.00 mg kg^-1 (intraperitoneally), busulfan 3.00 mg kg^-1 and SKEO and busulfan 36.00 mg kg^-1 and SKEO. After 28 days, the mice were euthanized and oocytes were removed for in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate evaluation. Oocyte quantity and quality, fertilization rate and pre-implantation embryo development were daily examined with a stereo microscope in a period of 120 hr. Serum levels of estradiol and progesterone were also evaluated. Busulfan caused significant decreases in oocyte number and quality, fertilization rate, pre-implantation embryo development and embryo quality. The SKEO significantly decreased the adverse effects of busulfan. The present study indicated that SKEO can protect female fertility potential against busulfan induced damages.

Abstract The aim of the present study was stereological evaluation of testes of azoospermic animal model using busulfan in rat. Three groups of male adult rats were used in this study. The first group was injected by single dose of busulfan (10 mg kg^-1) and their testes were removed on day 35 post injection. The second group received double doses of busulfan with 21 days interval and their testes were removed on day 35 after the second injection. The testes of the third group were removed without busulfan therapy. In 10 circular transverse sections of tubules stained with hematoxylin-eosin, stereological parameters were measured. The testes were rated for its spermatogenic potential on a modified spermatogenic scale of 0 to 6. Cellular (germinal epithelium) diameter and area of the seminiferous tubules, total diameter and cross sectional area of the tubules of the seminiferous tubules in rats that received double doses of busulfan were less than the rats in single dose of busulfan and control groups (p < 0.05). Spermatogenesis index of seminiferous tubules in rats receiving two doses of busulfan was less than the rats received one dose of busulfan (p < 0.001) and the index of both treatment groups were less than the control group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, two doses of busulfan injection with 21 days interval produced an appropriate experimental model of induced azoospermia with comparable stereological indices of seminiferous tubules in rat.