Effect of intra-testicular injection of white onion (Allium cepa) juice-derived carbon quantum dots on DNA and mRNA damages in testicular tissue of mature rats

Background: Non-invasive approaches of castration have gained significant attention due to the lower post-operative complications and costs compared to the invasive surgical ones. This study aimed to scrutinize the effect of intra-testicular injection of white onion juice-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) on DNA and mRNA damages in testicular tissue of mature rats. Methods: Fifteen mature male rats were allotted to three equal groups, including control, sham, and CQDs (۴۰ mg/kg in ۰.۵۰ mL normal saline into each testicle) groups. The CQDs were synthesized from white onion (Allium cepa) juice using one-step hydrothermal carbonization method. On ۶۰th day, the rats were euthanized and ۸-Oxo-dG as well as mRNA damage levels in testicular tissue were analyzed through immunohistochemical and fluorescent staining analyses, respectively. Results: Intra-testicular injection of CQDs resulted in mRNA damage and ۸-Oxo-dG levels escalation in testicular tissue compared to the control and sham groups. Conclusion: Intra-testicular injection of CQDs can cause infertility in mature male rats through DNA oxidation and mRNA damage induction, introducing CQDs as promising agents for in situ non-invasive castration.

کلیدواژه ها:

Carbon quantum dots ، Chemical castration ، Infertility ، Rat ، Testis