RESUMEN
Background: Protracted and repeated exposure to chronic variable stress [CVS] may lead to reproductive dysfunction. It is a basic cause of male infertility. Curcumin [CUR] is an active fraction of turmeric that used in traditional Chinese medicine. CUR represents various pharmacological activities
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determining the effects of CUR on testis and testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH] in rats with establishing chronic variable stress
Materials and Methods: Twenty-one adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: 1] control, 2] CVS and 3] CVS+ CUR [100 mg/kg/day dissolved in 0.5 mL of olive oil]. All of the animals in control, CVS, and CVS+CUR groups were sacrificed after 15 days. Testosterone, FSH, LH, and testis damage were evaluated
Results: Significant changes in the normal range of testosterone, FSH, LH serum levels and seminiferous tubule apoptotic cells were detected in CVS group compared to the control rats [p=0.02]. These parameters changed to a less extent in CVS+CUR animals compared to the CVS rats [p=0.02]
Conclusion: Our findings propose that curcumin might have curative potential on the reproductive system function and its impairment. It's regulated by stress and reproductive-related hormones