Abstract
BACKGROUND: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a particle of Gram-negative bacteria is a main contributer in the pathogenesis of the male reproductive system infectious. Male infertility due to LPS is reported to be related to overproduction reactive oxygen species. This study aimed to investigate the effects of olibanum on oxidative stress and apoptosis in testes and sperm dysfunction induced by LPS. METHODS: The male (n = 28) rats were allocated in four groups: control, LPS (1 mg/kg, i.p., 14 days), LPS + Olibanum 100 (100 mg/kg, i.p., 14 days), and LPS + Olibanum 200 (200 mg/kg, i.p., 14 days). Germ cell apoptosis was determined by TUNEL assays and computed using the stereological method. Additionally, semen samples of the animals were analyzed for sperm count and morphology. Oxidative stress indicators were also determined. RESULTS: The count of TUNEL-positive germ cells in LPS-treated rats was more than that in the controls. Treatment of the animals with olibanum significantly attenuated the number of apoptotic cells compared to the LPS group. The sperm count and those with a normal morphology in LPS-treated rats was lower than that in the controls. Administration of olibanum significantly improved the sperms with normal morphology and sperm count. Olibanum treatment also improved superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total thiol in testicular tissue and decreased malondialdehyde. CONCLUSION: Administering both doses of olibanum in LPS-treated rats had potentially a therapeutic value in reducing germ cell apoptosis, as well as improving sperm parameters.