Background: Nitrosamines as a carcinogenic agent has unfavorable effects on some of
the male reproductive parameters. Pentoxifylline (PX) is a xanthine derivative used as a
drug inhibiting the inflammatory factors, reducing blood viscosity, improving peripheral
blood flow, and so on.
Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of PX against Dimethyl
nitrosamine (DMN)-inducing the damage to the reproductive parameter of male rats.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats (8 wk, 220-
250 gr) were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 6/each): normal control and
DMN control groups (40 mg/kg); PX groups (25, 50, 100 mg/kg), and DMN + PX
groups (25, 50, 100 mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally and the
gavage applied daily for 28 days. The sperm parameters, spermatogenesis index,
total antioxidant capacity, testosterone level, and seminiferous tube diameter were
assessed.
Results: The values of all parameters reduced significantly in the DMN control group
compared to the normal control group (p < 0.001). The PX and PX + DMN treatments at
all entirely doses improved all parameters significantly compared to the DMN control
group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: DMN caused detrimental effects on reproductive parameters. Also, no
significant modifications were observed in PX treatments at all doses compared to
the normal control group. PX compensated the toxic effect of DMN on reproductive
parameters.