RESUMO
Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular parasite, infects a large proportion of the world population yearly. This study was investigated to evaluate the remedial effects of allium cepa on testis degeneration in male rats infected by T.gondii, RH strain. Wistar male rats [n=40] divided into control [n=10] and experimental [n=30] groups. The experimental groups were divided into two groups; allium cepa group [n=10] received 1cc of fresh onion juice daily and the toxoplasmose infected group [n =20] were subdivided into two groups of 10. One of the toxoplasma groups also received 1cc of fresh onion juice daily; however, control group just received distilled water. Animals were kept in a standard condition. On day 30 after inducing Toxoplasmosis infection, 5 ml blood sample of each rat was taken to measure serum protein and total antioxidant capacity [TAC] levels. IgG and IgM were tested by the ELISA method. Testicular tissue of each Rat was removed and sperms were collected from the epididymis for analysis. Serum proteins and testis weight were significantly decreased in the T.gondii groups compared with the control and onion groups. Testis degeneration significantly increased in toxoplasmosis group compared with the control group [P<0.05]. TAC level was significantly increased in the groups that received onion juice [P<0.05]. This study showed T. gondii has diverse effects on serum proteins, TAC, and testis. Results confirmed fresh onion juice could significantly modify harmful effects and increase the sperm number, viability, and motility so it seems eating onion is useful in toxoplasmosis infection