Seyyed Maysam Mousavi Shoar
Mahdi Dolatyari
Ata Mousavi,
Emad Khalilzadeh,

Background: Propolis (honeybee gum) is an antiseptic and natural antioxidant. Propolis is a potent antioxidant and a free radical scavenger. Phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, are major components and mainly responsible for the biological activity of Propolis. Oxaliplatin (LOHP) 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. Chemotherapy is one of the risk factors which affect the fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of Propolis on the alteration of Leydig cells population in L-OHP treated rats. Methods: Oxaliplatin was administrated to adult rats (2.4 mg/kg i.p.) four consecutive days per week for duration of three weeks. Hydroalcoholic extract of Propolis was administrated to L-OHPtreated rats orally in dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg for 21 consecutive days. After euthanizing, formaldehyde fixed testicular tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin method for quantitative evaluation of Leydig cells number. Results: The mean of Leydig cells population was decreased significantly in L-OHP treated group in comparison to control animals. The mean of Leydig cells population in Propolis treated L-OHP groups was higher than non-treated L-OHP group. Discussion: Platinum-based chemotherapy agents through induction of DNA damages can induce apoptosis in spermatogenic cells. According to the results and antioxidant activities of Propolis, itseems that reduction of oxidative damages through administration of antioxidant agents, may be effective in L-OHP induced fertility problems.

Leydig Cells, Oxaliplatin, Propolis, Rat