Background
: cyclophosphamide is an immunosuppressive agent and
anticancer drug in childhood and adult malignant tumors
. The compounds
that have antioxidant properties might improve the side effect of
cyclophosphamide on spermatogenesis. The aim of the work: This study
designed to evaluate the effect of cyclophosphamide in testis of adult
albino rats and the possible protective role of vitamin E and alpha lipoic
acid
.
Materials and Methods: Forty male adult albino rats were divided
equally into five groups Group I as a control group, Group II rats were
given cyclophosphamide. Group III rats were given cyclophosphamide
concomitantly with vitamin E. Group IV rats were given
cyclophosphamide concomitantly with alph
a lipoic acid. And Group V
rats were given cyclophosphamide and a combination of vitamin E plus
alph
a lipoic acid. The testis samples were prepared for histological
examination and PCNA immunohistochemical stain
.
Results: cyclophosphamide induced destruction of normal testicular
histological structure, increased collagen fibers deposition and
significantly decreased main area percent of PCNA immune
-positive
germ cells indicating decreased spermatogenesis. In group III vitamin E
mild prevented the pathological changes in testicular tissue and non
significantly increased the main area percent of PCNA immune
-positive
germ cells. While in group IV alpha lipoic acid enhanced marked
preservation of the lined germinal cells and significantly increased the
main area percent of PCNA immune
-positive germ cells compared to
group II. However, in group V there was almost total prevention of side
effects induced by cyclophosphamide in adult rat testi
s and preservation
of spermatogenesis
.
Conclusion: Cyclophosphamid
e induced damage in histological structure
of testi
s and decreased spermatogenesis of adult rats. Alpha lipoic acid
comparatively preserved the normal histological structure of testis and
normal spermatogenesis than vitamin E. However, administration of
vitamin E and alph lipoic acid together was almost totally prevented the
damaging effect of cyclophosphamid
e
.