Davoud Kianifard, - University of Tabriz
Parisa Zeinolabedini Daneshgar - University of Tabriz
Mahdi Dolatyari, - University of Tabriz
Emad Khalilzadeh - University of Tabriz

Background: Chemotherapy is one of the risk factors which affect the fertility. Honeybee gum (Propolis) is an antiseptic, natural antibiotic, free radical scavenger and potent antioxidant used in treatment of various types of cancers. Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) is a third-generation of platinum-based chemotherapies. L-OHP binds to DNA and prevents the DNA replication. It is especially effective in the treatment of colorectal cancer and also other solid tumors such as ovarian and testicular cancer. The aim of this study was toassess the beneficial effects of Propolis in improvement of cellular alteration of spermatogenic cells in L-OHP treated rats. Materials Oxaliplatin was administrated (2.4 mg/kg i.p.) four consecutive days per week for duration of three weeks. Hydroalcoholic extract of Propolis (50 & 100 mg/kg) was administrated to L-OHP treated rats for 21 consecutive days. Formaldehyde fixed testicular tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin method for quantitative evaluation of spermatogenic cells.Results The population of all types of spermatogenic cells was reduced following the administration of L-OHP in comparison to control group. Only, the population of spermatocytes was reduced significantly. There was no significant change in cell population after low dose administration of Propolis. The administration of high dose of Propolis led to improvement in spermatogenic cells population in comparison to other experimental groups.Discussion Oxaliplatin induced DNA damages can lead to reduction in population of spermatogenic cells. According to antioxidant activities of Propolis, it seems that reduction of oxidative tissue damages could be effective in L-OHP induced fertility problems.

Leydig Cells, Oxaliplatin, Propolis, Rat, Spermatogenic cells