Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Several chemotherapeutic agents, including cyclophosphamide (CP) and busulfan, have been shown to interfere with spermatogenesis. Accordingly, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of curcumin nanoemulsion (CUR-NE) on spermatogenesis in mice with CP-induced testicular toxicity. METHODS: A total of 28 adult male mice were equally divided into four groups: control, CUR-NE (30 mg/kg, daily for 5 weeks), CP (200 mg/kg, single dose), and CP+CUR-NE. Each group was evaluated regarding sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation index, chromatin maturation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and histological parameters of the testes. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone, and testosterone were also assessed in all groups. RESULTS: In CP-induced mice, CUR-NE treatment significantly improved sperm parameters, including total sperm count, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity. CUR-NE administration was also associated with significantly higher serum levels of testosterone and FSH, as well as testis weight and volume, in the mice treated with CP. Furthermore, CUR-NE treatment significantly increased the number of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, round spermatids, and Leydig cells in the testicular tissue of these animals. A marked reduction in ROS levels in the testes tissue was observed following administration of CUR-NE to CP-induced mice. CONCLUSION: CUR-NE appears to promote spermatogenesis in mice with CP-induced testicular toxicity by reducing ROS levels, improving testicular stereological parameters, and strengthening the reproductive hormone profile.