RESUMO
Background: Cyclophosphamide [CP] has been known as an anticancer drug with several side effects on various organs such as a male reproductive system that can cause infertility
Objective: To evaluate the possible combined effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles [nZno] and melatonin [Mel] on sperm parameters and histopathological changes of the testis in CP-treated rats
Materials and Methods: 42 adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups. GI: control, GII: 60 mg/kg/wk CP, GIII and GIV, 10 mg/kg/wk Mel and 5mg/kg/wk nZno and GV: 5 mg/kg/wk nZno and 10 mg/kg/wk Mel were given 2 hr prior to CP injection, respectively, GVI: 5mg/kg/wk nZno and 10 mg/kg/wk Mel simultaneously. After 8 wk of treatment, rats were sacrificed and testis and epididymis were harvested for further evaluation
Results: The CP-treated group showed significant decreases in the body, testes and epididymis weights and sperm parameters [sperm count, viability, motility] with an increase abnormal sperms when compared with the control [p<0.001], as well as many histological alterations included decreased diameters of seminiferous tubules and Johnsen's Testicular Score [with degeneration, desquamation, multi-nucleated giant cell formation], whereas combined treatment [GV], showed more protective effects on CP-induced reproductive system damage compared with groups III or IV [p<0.001]
Conclusion: These results suggest simultaneous administration of Mel and nZno have more effectively protections against CP-induced reproductive damage than Mel or nZno alone