Protective effect of Livergol^® on reproductive complications in a rat model of experimental cholestasis

Cholestasis, a multi-faceted 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, in the reproductive complications induced by experimental cholestasis in mature male rats. Twenty adults male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = ۵), including group ۱ (control) remained untreated, group ۲ (sham) underwent laparotomy and bile duct manipulation without ligation, group ۳ (cholestasis) underwent bile duct ligation (BDL) to induce experimental cholestasis, and group ۴ (cholestasis + Livergol®) received oral Livergol® (۳۰۰ mg kg-۱) for ۴ 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. 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, 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 anti-oxidant properties of its active component, silymarin.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cholestasis ، Livergol&reg ، Silymarin ، Sperm ، Testis