Protective effects of Spirulina platensis and phycocyanin on sperm quality, DNA integrity, and testicular tissue following oxidative stress in rats: An experimental study

Background: Oxidative stress significantly contributes to male infertility. Spirulina contains phycocyanin (PC), a protein with significant biological effects, including strong antioxidant activity. Objective: This study investigates the protective effects of Spirulina platensis (Sp) and its active compound, PC, against oxidative damage in sperm and testicular tissue in rats. Materials and Methods: This research was an experimental study. ۳۶ male Wistar rats (۷-۸ wk, ۱۸۰-۲۲۰ gr) were randomized into ۶ groups (n = ۶/each): control, PC (۵۰۰ mg/kg/day), Sp (۳۰۰ mg/kg/day), hydrogen peroxide (HP; ۰.۵%), HP+PC, and HP+Sp. Treatments were given orally for ۶۰ days. Sperm parameters (count, motility, viability) were assessed via Neubauer chamber, motility analysis, and eosin Y staining. Oxidative markers and histopathology were evaluated using colorimetric kits and hematoxylin and eosin staining. DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was measured via acridine orange. Results: HP reduced sperm count (۴۰.۲ vs. ۵۵.۲ million/mL; p = ۰.۰۰۱), motility (۴۳.۴% vs. ۸۷.۰%; p = ۰.۰۰۱), and increased DFI (۱۸.۵% vs. ۴.۰%; p = ۰.۰۰۱) versus control. Co-treatment with PC/Sp improved motility (HP-PC: ۶۹.۰%, HP-Sp: ۶۱.۹%; p = ۰.۰۰۱ vs. HP) and DFI (۱۵.۷%; p = ۰.۰۰۱ vs. HP). HP decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase and elevated malondialdehyde (p = ۰.۰۰۱). PC/Sp partially restored superoxide dismutase, reduced malondialdehyde (۳.۸-۳.۹ nmol/mL; p = ۰.۰۰۱ vs. HP). PC enhanced total antioxidant capacity (۵.۶ vs. ۳.۱ mmol; p = ۰.۰۰۱), while Sp lowered oxidative stress index (۰.۴۱ vs. ۱.۳۶; p = ۰.۰۰۱) versus HP. Conclusion: Sp and PC protect against oxidative sperm and testicular damage by enhancing antioxidant defenses and reducing oxidative stress. PC demonstrated superior effects on sperm quality, DNA integrity, and testicular histology, indicating its therapeutic potential in male infertility.

کلیدواژه ها:

Spirulina platensis ، Phycocyanin ، Oxidative stress ، Testicular tissue ، Rat. ، اسپیرولینا پلاتنسیس ، فیکوسیانین ، استرس اکسیداتیو ، بافت بیضه ، موش صحرایی.