Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
2
Rahim Mohammadi, Department of Surgery and Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Nazloo Road, Urmia,57153 1177, Iran
3
Department Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
4
Department Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
10.30466/vrf.2026.2078938.5005
Abstract
Cholestasis, a multifaceted liver complication arising from an imbalance in bile production and secretion, can lead to damage in extra-hepatic organs, including the reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Livergol, a silymarin-based drug, on the reproductive complications induced by experimental cholestasis in mature male rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 5): Group 1 (Control) remained untreated; Group 2 (Sham) underwent laparotomy and bile duct manipulation without ligation; Group 3 (Cholestasis) underwent bile duct ligation (BDL) to induce experimental cholestasis; Group 4 (Cholestasis + Livergol) received oral Livergol (300 mg/kg) for four weeks post-BDL. After the study period, testicular histopathology was evaluated using Johnsen's Score and the Cosentino Criterion. Epididymal sperm parameters, including count, viability, and motility, were also assessed. The BDL-induced cholestasis caused significant testicular damage, evidenced by a decreased Johnsen's Score and an increased Cosentino Criterion index. It also led to a significant reduction in sperm count, viability, and motility. Treatment with Livergol significantly ameliorated these effects, leading to a higher Johnsen's Score, a lower Cosentino Criterion index, and marked improvements in all evaluated sperm parameters compared to the untreated cholestatic group. Oral administration of Livergol effectively attenuates testicular damage and improves spermatogenesis and sperm quality in rats with experimental cholestasis. These findings suggest Livergol as a promising protective agent against cholestasis-induced reproductive toxicity, likely due to the antioxidant properties of its active component, silymarin.
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