International Journal of
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Sat, Aug 30, 2025
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Volume 23, Issue 7 (July 2025)
IJRM 2025, 23(7): 559-568 |
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Sedaghatizadeh K, Nemati F, Gholamitabar Tabari M, Peyravii Ghadikolaii F, Bishehkolaei R. Protective effects of Spirulina platensis and phycocyanin on sperm quality, DNA integrity, and testicular tissue following oxidative stress in rats: An experimental study. IJRM 2025; 23 (7) :559-568
URL: http://ijrm.ir/article-1-3533-en.html
URL: http://ijrm.ir/article-1-3533-en.html
Katayoun Sedaghatizadeh1 
, Farkhondeh Nemati *2 , Maryam Gholamitabar Tabari3 , Fatemeh Peyravii Ghadikolaii1 , Roya Bishehkolaei1
, Farkhondeh Nemati *2 , Maryam Gholamitabar Tabari3 , Fatemeh Peyravii Ghadikolaii1 , Roya Bishehkolaei1
1- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Qaemshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran.
2- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Qaemshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran. ,2060306833@iau.ir; far.nemati12@gmail.com
3- Health Reproductive Research Center, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran.
2- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Qaemshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran. ,
3- Health Reproductive Research Center, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran.
Abstract: (45 Views)
Background: Oxidative stress significantly contributes to male infertility. Spirulina contains phycocyanin (PC), a protein with significant biological effects, including strong antioxidant activity.
Objective: This study investigates the protective effects of Spirulina platensis (Sp) and its active compound, PC, against oxidative damage in sperm and testicular tissue in rats.
Materials and Methods: This research was an experimental study. 36 male Wistar rats (7-8 wk, 180-220 gr) were randomized into 6 groups (n = 6/each): control, PC (500 mg/kg/day), Sp (300 mg/kg/day), hydrogen peroxide (HP; 0.5%), HP+PC, and HP+Sp. Treatments were given orally for 60 days. Sperm parameters (count, motility, viability) were assessed via Neubauer chamber, motility analysis, and eosin Y staining. Oxidative markers and histopathology were evaluated using colorimetric kits and hematoxylin and eosin staining. DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was measured via acridine orange.
Results: HP reduced sperm count (40.2 vs. 55.2 million/mL; p = 0.001), motility (43.4% vs. 87.0%; p = 0.001), and increased DFI (18.5% vs. 4.0%; p = 0.001) versus control. Co-treatment with PC/Sp improved motility (HP-PC: 69.0%, HP-Sp: 61.9%; p = 0.001 vs. HP) and DFI (15.7%; p = 0.001 vs. HP). HP decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase and elevated malondialdehyde (p = 0.001). PC/Sp partially restored superoxide dismutase, reduced malondialdehyde (3.8-3.9 nmol/mL; p = 0.001 vs. HP). PC enhanced total antioxidant capacity (5.6 vs. 3.1 mmol; p = 0.001), while Sp lowered oxidative stress index (0.41 vs. 1.36; p = 0.001) versus HP.
Conclusion: Sp and PC protect against oxidative sperm and testicular damage by enhancing antioxidant defenses and reducing oxidative stress. PC demonstrated superior effects on sperm quality, DNA integrity, and testicular histology, indicating its therapeutic potential in male infertility.
Objective: This study investigates the protective effects of Spirulina platensis (Sp) and its active compound, PC, against oxidative damage in sperm and testicular tissue in rats.
Materials and Methods: This research was an experimental study. 36 male Wistar rats (7-8 wk, 180-220 gr) were randomized into 6 groups (n = 6/each): control, PC (500 mg/kg/day), Sp (300 mg/kg/day), hydrogen peroxide (HP; 0.5%), HP+PC, and HP+Sp. Treatments were given orally for 60 days. Sperm parameters (count, motility, viability) were assessed via Neubauer chamber, motility analysis, and eosin Y staining. Oxidative markers and histopathology were evaluated using colorimetric kits and hematoxylin and eosin staining. DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was measured via acridine orange.
Results: HP reduced sperm count (40.2 vs. 55.2 million/mL; p = 0.001), motility (43.4% vs. 87.0%; p = 0.001), and increased DFI (18.5% vs. 4.0%; p = 0.001) versus control. Co-treatment with PC/Sp improved motility (HP-PC: 69.0%, HP-Sp: 61.9%; p = 0.001 vs. HP) and DFI (15.7%; p = 0.001 vs. HP). HP decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase and elevated malondialdehyde (p = 0.001). PC/Sp partially restored superoxide dismutase, reduced malondialdehyde (3.8-3.9 nmol/mL; p = 0.001 vs. HP). PC enhanced total antioxidant capacity (5.6 vs. 3.1 mmol; p = 0.001), while Sp lowered oxidative stress index (0.41 vs. 1.36; p = 0.001) versus HP.
Conclusion: Sp and PC protect against oxidative sperm and testicular damage by enhancing antioxidant defenses and reducing oxidative stress. PC demonstrated superior effects on sperm quality, DNA integrity, and testicular histology, indicating its therapeutic potential in male infertility.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Reproductive Biology
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