Curcumin Protects Mice Testicular Tissue against the Adverse Effects of Sodium Arsenite: A Stereological Study

Background & Aims: Sodium arsenite, an environmental pollutant, produces free radicals with harmful effects on the reproductive system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumin, as a strong antioxidant, on the testis tissue and spermatogenic cell population in mice treated with sodium arsenite. Methods: In this experimental study, Adult male NMRI mice were randomly divided into the ۵ groups (n=۶): control, sodium arsenite (۵mg/kg/day), curcumin (۱۵mg/kg/day), sodium arsenite+curcumin and DMSO as vehicle. After ۵ weeks of treatment (through intraperitoneal ingection), animals right testis were removed, fixed, sectioned, stained (using heiden hain azan method) and stereologically studied. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tuckey's test and the means were considered significantly different at p<۰.۰۵. Result: A significant decrease in the mean volume (P<۰.۰۵) and diameter (P<۰.۰۰۱) of seminiferous tubules, height of the germinal epithelium (P<۰.۰۱), thickness of the basement membrane (P<۰.۰۰۱) and the number of spermatocytes and spermatids (p<۰.۰۰۱) and a significant increase in the mean volume of the interstitial tissue was observed in the sodium arsenite group compared to the control ones (p<۰.۰۵). The above parameters were significantly compensated to the control level in the sodium arsenite+curcumin group. Conclusions: Curcumin can compensate the harmful effects of sodium arsenite on the testicular tissue and spermatogenic cell populations in adult mice. Therefor, it is suggested as a supplement in the case of arsenite intoxication.

کلیدواژه ها:

curcumin ، Mice ، Sodium arsenate ، stereology ، Testis