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Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the joints. The higher prevalence of RA among females, combined with the known effects of sex hormones on immune function, has led researchers to investigate the potential relationship between menopausal status and the risk, severity, or progression of RA. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the association between menopause and rheumatoid arthritis. Methods In 2023, we conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Science, EMBASE, Springer, and ProQuest. The search aimed to identify studies exploring the association between menopause and rheumatoid arthritis. Results Our analysis revealed that post-menopausal women had a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to pre-menopausal women, with an estimated odds ratio of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.04–1.67). Additionally, women who experienced early menopause (defined as onset before age 45) showed significantly higher odds of developing RA, with an odds ratio of 2.97 (95% CI: 1.73–4.22). Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of considering menopausal status when assessing the risk of RA development in women. The results suggest that post-menopausal women, particularly those who experience early menopause, may be at higher risk for developing RA. Further research in this area could provide valuable insights into potential preventive measures and targeted interventions for high-risk individuals.

Abstract Objective Several pathological conditions trigger the formation of microvesicles (MVs), including infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The shedding of MVs increases the levels of inflammatory factors (e.g., interleukin-6; IL-6) and ultimately leads to an inflammatory cascade response, while also increasing the procoagulant response. The current study aimed to evaluate the level of circulating MVs and their procoagulant activity as well as the serum level of IL-6 in patients with COVID-19 and healthy controls. In this case-control study, 65 patients with COVID-19 and 30 healthy individuals were sampled after obtaining written informed consent. MVs counting was measured using conjugated CD61, CD45, CD235a, and Annexin-V antibodies. Additionally, the procoagulant activity of MVs and the IL-6 level were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The majority of MVs were platelet-derived MVs (PMVs). Patients with COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of MVs, procoagulant MVs, and IL-6 compared to healthy controls (p

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles based on the PLGA and biomolecule of lycopene (i.e. NLcp) and exosomes loaded on hydroxyapatite/collagen-based scaffolds (HA/Coll), on human endometrial MSCs (hEnMSCs) differentiation into osteoblast cells. To this end, after synthesizing NLcp and isolating hEnMSC-derived exosomes, and studying their characterizations, HA/Coll scaffold with/without NLcp and exosome was fabricated. In following, the rat skull-defect model was created on 54 male Sprague–Dawley rats (12 weeks old) which were classified into 6 groups [control group (4 healthy rats), negative control group: bone defect without grafting (10 rats), and experimental groups including bone defect grafted with HA/Coll scaffold (10 rats), HA/Coll/NLcp scaffold (10 rats), HA/Coll scaffold + exosome (10 rats), and HA/Coll-NLcp scaffold + exosome (10 rats)]. Finally, the grafted membrane along with its surrounding tissues was removed at 90 days after surgery, to assess the amount of defect repair by Hematoxylin and eosin staining. Moreover, immunohistochemical and X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) analyses were performed to assess osteocalcin and mean bone volume fraction (BVF). Based on the results, although, the existence of the exosome in the scaffold network can significantly increase mean BVF compared to HA/Coll scaffold and HA/Coll-NLcp scaffold (2.25-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively). However, the combination of NLcp and exosome indicated more effect on mean BVF; so that the HA/Coll-NLcp scaffold + exosome led to a 15.95 % increase in mean BVF than the HA/Coll scaffold + exosome. Hence, synthesized NLcp in this study can act as a suitable bioactive to stimulate the osteogenic, promotion of cell proliferation and its differentiation when used in the polymer scaffold structure or loaded into polymeric carriers containing the exosome.

Abstract Background: Some medical conditions, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOs), may lead to infertility. In PCOs, hormonal imbalance is significant. Antioxidants such as natural antioxidants have many health benefits, including positive effects on hormone production. Objective: Since herbal medicines are more acceptable to people, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of an aqueous extract of orchid (SA), with antioxidative effects, on the structure of the ovary and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and free testosterone in PCOs rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 64 healthy female Wistar rats (180–200 gr) were randomly divided into 60 and 89 day control groups, PCOs, and 4 PCOs + SA groups that received 40, 80, 160, and 320 mg/kg of SA. Serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were measured. In addition, the ovaries were extracted and examined histologically. Results: The amount of primordial, primary, secondary, and Graafian follicles and serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and progesterone hormones decreased in PCOs groups, while atretic follicles and the serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and free testosterone were increased. SA at different doses regulated hormonal and histological imbalances caused by PCOs, and 320 mg/kg was the most effective. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of orchids root can have a positive effect on the improvement of polycystic ovary syndrome. This effect can be achieved by regulating the level of sex hormones and correcting follicular abnormalities in the ovarian tissue.

Introduction: Taking many antiepileptic drugs such as sodium valproate during pregnancy has harmful and teratogenic effects. Therefore, the present study was performed with aim to compare the effect of sodium valproate and the less dangerous drug citronellol on the level of three variables for the diagnosis of nervous system abnormalities in mother and fetus. Methods: In this experimental study, which was performed in 2019, eighteen adult female Wistar rats (200-220 g, 10 to 12 weeks) were divided into 3 groups of 6 including control, experimental 1 (receiving sodium valproate, 400 mg/kg) and experimental 2 (receiving citronellol, 400 mg/kg). Female rats were mated with male rats. After confirming pregnancy (vaginal plaque and vaginal smear), they intraperitoneally received sodium valproate and citronellol intraperitoneally on days 7, 8, 9 and 10 of pregnancy. On the 18th day of pregnancy, maternal serum, fetal serum, and amniotic fluid were sampled and free estriol, chorionic gonadotropin, and alpha phytoprotein were measured by ELISA method. Data analysis was done using SPSS statistical software (version 21) and ANOVA and Duncan's test. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean concentration of estriol, chorionic gonadotropin and alpha phytoprotein in maternal serum, fetal serum and amniotic fluid in citronellol group did not show any significant difference compared to the control group (p>0.05). However, in sodium valproate group, a significant decrease in the level of estriol and placental gonadotropin and a significant increase in alpha phytoprotein in maternal serum, fetal serum, and amniotic fluid were observed compared to the control and experimental groups 2 (p

Abstract Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an anticancer drug that acts as an alkylation agent after metabolism in the liver. CP has toxic effects on the body's cells, especially the reproductive system's function, and causes infertility. Moreover, medicinal plants have few side effects and are psychologically acceptable to patients. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of Ephedra pachyclada hydroalcoholic extract (EPHE) on ovarian tissue and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in rats treated with CP. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 48 adult female Wistar rats (180-200 gr, 9-10 wk) were randomly assigned to 6 experimental groups (n = 8/each): (a) control; (b) sham; (c) CP; (d) CP+250 mg/kg EPHE; (e) CP+500 mg/kg EPHE; (f) CP+1000 mg/kg EPHE. On the 29 th day of the experiment, serum was collected; serum concentration of the luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, progesterone, and antioxidant activity were measured. The number of ovarian follicles were also counted. Results: In the CP groups, serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone significantly increased, and estrogen and progesterone significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05). EPHE significantly compensated for the complications caused by CP and 1000 mg/kg had the greatest effect. Antioxidant reduction by CP was significantly enhanced by EPHE, especially at higher doses (p ≤ 0.05). The number of primordial, primary, secondary, and Graafian follicles showed a significant decrease in CP groups and EPHE groups showed a significant increase compared to the CP. EPHE showed that the concentration of 1000 mg/kg was more effective than other doses (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: In addition to proving the effect of EPHE on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, our investigation showed antioxidant properties, which can be an effective factor in CP-treated rats.

Abstract Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is one of the public health concerns that can result in a loss of sensory or motor function in the areas in which injured and non-injured nerves come together. Up until now, there has been no optimized therapy for complete nerve regeneration after PNI. Exosome-based therapies are an emerging and effective therapeutic strategy for promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Exosomes, as natural extracellular vesicles, contain bioactive molecules for intracellular communications and nervous tissue function, which could overcome the challenges of cell-based therapies. Furthermore, the bioactivity and ability of exosomes to deliver various types of agents, such as proteins and microRNA, have made exosomes a potential approach for neurotherapeutics. However, the type of cell origin, dosage, and targeted delivery of exosomes still pose challenges for the clinical translation of exosome therapeutics. In this review, we have focused on Schwann cell and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes in nerve tissue regeneration. Also, we expressed the current understanding of MSC-derived exosomes related to nerve regeneration and provided insights for developing a cell-free MSC therapeutic strategy for nerve injury.

Abstract Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) has clinical applications in treating diverse malignancies and autoimmune disorders; at the same time, it also has harmful effects on the body tissues, particularly the genitals. The most significant side effects of CP are changing the reproductive system's function and infertility. Objective: This study determines the Ephedra hydroalcoholic extract (EP) role on testicular tissue and the pituitary-gonadal axis in CP-treated male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 48 adult Wistar rats were separated into 6 groups (n = 8/each): control, sham, CP recipients, and CP recipients with gavage-fed EP (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg). On the 29 th day, the blood of the weighed animals' was drawn from their heart, and serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone were measured. After preparing testicular tissue segments, cells were counted. Results: While CP decreased follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone levels (p < 0.05), the use of EP changed them and even reached the control. Serum gonadotropin-releasing hormone increased significantly in all EP groups compared to the control and CP groups. Compared to the control, a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity and plasma glutathione peroxidase was observed in the CP groups. EP (all doses) significantly increased their concentration compared to the CP group (p < 0.05); significant reduction in serum total oxidant status and malondialdehyde in CP groups changed by EP (p < 0.05). Although CP's role on spermatogonia counts (57.5 ± 5.2 in CP, 67.1 ± 6.0 in control), higher doses of EP had no significant effect on this but did affect spermatocyte and spermatid cells count. Conclusion: Due to its antioxidant characteristics, EP mitigated the effects of CP on the investigated parameters in rats.Key words: Ephedra, Cyclophosphamide, Cancer, Spermatogenesis, Sex hormones, ROS.

Abstract Anesthesia and analgesia are major components of many interventional studies on laboratory animals. However, various studies have shown improper reporting or use of anesthetics/analgesics in research proposals and published articles. In many cases, it seems “anesthesia” and “analgesia” are used interchangeably, while they are referring to two different concepts. Not only this is an unethical practice, but also it may be one of the reasons for the proven suboptimal quality of many animal researches. This is a widespread problem among investigations on various species of animals. However, it could be imagined that it may be more prevalent for the most common species of laboratory animals, such as the laboratory mice. In this review, proper anesthetic/analgesic methods for routine procedures on laboratory mice are discussed. We considered the available literature and critically reviewed their anesthetic/analgesic methods. Detailed dosing and pharmacological information for the relevant drugs are provided and some of the drugs’ side effects are discussed. This paper provides the necessary data for an informed choice of anesthetic/analgesic methods in some routine procedures on laboratory mice.

Abstract Background and Aims Oral cancer is now a top priority for non‐communicable illnesses and universal health care plans, according to the WHO. There is no general estimate of the incidence of oral cavity cancer in Iran, despite multiple investigations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the age‐standardized incidence rate (ASR) of oral cavity cancers in Iran. Method In accordance with the MOOSE (Meta‐analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) Checklist recommendations, this systematic review was conducted. PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were used as the international databases for the systematic literature search, while SID (Scientific Information Database), Magiran and element were used as the Iranian databases. The heterogeneity of the research will be evaluated by means of the inverse variance and Cochran Q tests, along with random‐effect models. It was determined what caused the heterogeneity using a meta‐regression model. By eliminating experiments one at a time, sensitivity analysis was used. The meta‐analysis was corrected utilizing the Trim‐and‐fill method due to the identification of noteworthy publication bias via the Egger's test and asymmetry of the funnel plot. Results This research incorporated a total of 22 journal articles. The pooled ASR of oral cavity cancer for males and females was estimated at 1.96 (95% CI: 1.65–2.26) (Q statistic = 1118.09, df = 25, p

Background and Aim: Epilepsy as a neurological disorder is characterized by unpredictable and periodic seizures. In the present study, the anticonvulsant effect of different doses of salep hydroalcoholic extract on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures was investigated. Methods and Materials/Patients: The animal model of seizure was established by the intraperitoneal injection of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ- 85 mg/kg). Hydroalcoholic extract of salep was administered to the animals in 3 doses (80, 160, and 320 mg/kg). The parameters of the onset and duration of tonic-clonic seizure, total seizure time, balance (falling), and jumping during seizure mortality rate were measured. The results were analyzed by ANOVA test at a significant level of p≤0.05. Results: The results of the current study indicated that salep extract increased the delay in the onset of seizure in the PTZ + extract group in comparison with the PTZ group. The duration of tonic-clonic seizure and the number of falling, jumping, and total seizure times were significantly decreased by salep extract compared to the PTZ group. In the seizure + salep extract, the number and percentage of 24-hour mortality among animals decreased with increasing dosage. All changes were dose-dependent and 320 mg/kg showed the most effect. Conclusion: Extract of salep can probably have anticonvulsant properties, however, further studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms.

Background. Diabetes mellitus impairs the reproductive system by damaging the glands and changing their function and hormone secretions. Given the previous studies on medical properties of silk cocoon, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of silk cocoon on pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and the testis changes in diabetic male rats. Methods. In this experimental study, 35 male rats were divided into 5 equal groups. Control (C), nontreated diabetic rats (DNT1), and experimental diabetic rats treated (DT1) with a silk cocoon extract at concentrations of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 56 days. Diabetes was induced by an injection of streptozotocin. Blood sampling was performed by the tail and heart after fasting. Body weight, serum levels of glucose, prolactin, leptin, inhibin A, IGF-2, activin A, insulin, LH, testosterone, FSH, and GnRH were measured along with the testis weight and diameter as the outcome of the study. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20. Results. Investigation of hormonal factors indicated that all diabetic groups had higher prolactin, inhibin A levels than those in C group and lower leptin, IGF-2, activin A, insulin, LH, testosterone, FSH, and GnRH levels than controls. Silk cocoon treatment significantly decreased prolactin and inhibin in comparison of DNT1 group. While there was a significant increase in leptin, IGF-2, activin A, insulin, LH, testosterone, FSH, and GnRH levels compared with DNT1 (P

Introduction: Isoniazid is a drug for treatment of tuberculosis. One of the main side effects of this drug is hepatotoxicity, which is a major cause of treatment interruption in tuberculosis. This study is about the preventive effect of Salep on this side effect of isoniazid. Materials and methods: This study is an experimental study in which the preventive effect of salep on isoniazid hepatotoxicity is evaluated. In this study 56 rats were randomly placed in 7 eight members groups including: control group, sham, isoniazid and four isoniazid/salep groups. At the end of the study the laboratory criteria and histological features of liver toxicity were compared in different mentioned groups. Results: Significant lower serum levels of liver enzymes, billirubin, MDA and TOC; and significant higher levels of TAC and total proteins, were revealed in isoniazid/salep group in compare to isoniazid alone group. In addition, histological studies had not showed liver injury in isoniazid/salep group, while there was significant liver injury in isoniazid alone group. Conclusions: Orchid extract (salep), probably because of its antioxidant properties, prevent the destructive effects of isoniazid on the liver.

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women which affect fertility. Clomiphene citrate is used as first-line treatment for this disorder, which is associated with some complications and therapeutic resistance. Objective: In this research, we compare the effectiveness of ginger with clomiphene on sexual hormones such as Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen and progesterone in order to treat PCOS effectively with fewer side effects. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 63 adult female rats (170-200 gr) were studied and divided randomly into 9 groups as control (not received any interventional substance for 60 and 89 days), sham (were given distilled water and ethyl alcohol intraperitoneally daily for 60 and 89 days), and 7 experimental groups receiving estradiol valerate (PCOS inducing agent, intramuscular) alone and with 100 mg/kg clomiphene or different doses of ginger extract (175 and 350 mg/kg) orally daily for 60 and 89 days. Sexual hormones were analyzed and compared in different groups. Results: Our results showed that in the PCOS-induced group, LH and estrogen concentration increased while progesterone and FSH concentration decreased remarkably (p

Introduction: Drugs and supplements containing ephedra extract have been always noticed by researchers as a plant known for weight loss and control. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of ephedra hydroalcoholic extract on serum adiponectin level and body weight in male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into 5 equal groups including: control (without receiving any substances), sham (receiving 1 mL of distilled water), experimental group 1 (recipient of 250 mg/kg ephedra hydroalcoholic extract), experimental group 2 (recipient of 500 mg/kg ephedra hydroalcoholic extract) and experimental group 3 (recipient of 1000 mg/kg ephedra hydroalcoholic extract). In the experimental groups, the extract was administered by gavage for 28 days. On the 29th day, blood samples were taken from the rats to check the serum levels of the hormone adiponectin. Body weight of rats was also measured daily during the experimental period. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA using SPSS software and Duncan test. Results: Doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg of ephedra hydroalcoholic extract caused a significant increase in serum levels of adiponectin and also a decrease in body weight compared to the control and sham groups (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Ephedra hydroalcoholic extract reduces body weight by increasing serum levels of the hormone adiponectin. Keywords: Ephedra, adiponectin, body weight, rat

Background: Asparagus is a plant with high nutritional, pharmaceutical, and industrial values. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of asparagus roots on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormones and oogenesis in female rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult female Wistar rats were divided into five groups, which consist 8 rats. Groups included control, sham and three experimental groups receiving different doses (100, 200, 400 mg/kg/bw) of aqueous extract of asparagus roots. All dosages were administered orally for 28 days. Blood samples were taken from rats to evaluate serum levels of Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinal hormone (LH), estrogen, and progesterone hormones. The ovaries were removed, weighted, sectioned, and studied by light microscope. Results: Dose-dependent aqueous extract of asparagus roots significantly increased serum levels of GnRH, FSH, LH, estrogen, and progestin hormones compared to control and sham groups. Increase in number of ovarian follicles and corpus luteum in groups treated with asparagus root extract was also observed (p

Background: Using the Salep as an energetic drug and sexual stamina enhancer is common in traditional medicine. This study aims to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Salep on serum level of progesterone and LH hormones in the female rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult female Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into 5 groups: control (no drug), sham (which received 1 ml distilled water), the experimental group 1 (recipient of 20 mg / kg aqueous extract of Salep), the experimental group 2 (recipient of 40 mg / kg aqueous extract of Salep) and experimental group 3 (recipient of 80 mg / kg aqueous extract of Salep). In the experimental groups the extract was injected intraperitoneally for 28 days. At the end of the experimental term, the mice were bled to examine the serum level of the progesterone and LH hormones (p

Background & Objective: Camphor stimulates the nervous system and the circulatory system, reduces lactation, and prevents conception and embryo embedding. We investigated the effects of camphor on the pituitary-gonadal hormonal axis and concentration of steroidal hormones. Materials & Methods: The parameters investigated were concentrations of LH, FSH, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Forty adult female rats at a mean weight of 180 ± 20 grams were divided into five groups. Camphor solution was prepared in olive oil at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg doses, and 0.2 cc injections were done intraperitoneally every day for 2 weeks. The control group received no injection. The sham group received olive oil (as solvent of camphor) and treatment groups of 1, 2, and 3 received doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. The treatment groups were sacrificed one day after the last injection, and their hearts were dissected and blood samples were obtained. The concentrations of the hormones were measured by the ELISA test, and the results were evaluated via the t-test, ANOVA, and Duncan. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in the concentrations of testosterone and progesterone (p value < 0.05) and a significant increase in the concentrations of LH and FSH (p value

Introduction: Pumpkin seed has been used in traditional medicine as a drug for improving sexual function and vigor. We did not find sufficient scientific evidence to support it. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of pumpkin seeds on hormone-pituitary-ovarian axis and oogenesis in immature rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we used 30 immature female Wistar rats (weight range 100 to 80 g and 35-30 days old) were randomly selected and divided into five groups of six, three experimental groups, control and sham groups. The experimental group was injected 200,100,50 mg/ kg dose of pumpkin seed extract intraperitoneally for 21 consecutive days. One day after the last injection, blood was taken from the rats to investigate the sex hormones, and then their ovaries were removed for histological studies. Results: The results showed a significant increase in the mean serum FSH, estrogen and progesterone in the experimental groups compared to the sham and control (P

Background and Objective: Sarcocyst infection is one of the most common zoonotic protozoan diseases caused by different Sarcocystis spp. Given the importance of this infection in public health, the infection rate of macroscopic and microscopic sarcocysts in slaughtered goats was determined in Jahrom abattoir. Materials and Methods : Between April and June in 2011, six tissues including the esophagus, tongue, diaphragm, shoulder muscles, thigh muscles, and heart of 4925 slaughtered goats were inspected to detect macroscopic sarcocysts in Jahrom abattoir. To detect microscopic cysts, four tissue samples (esophagus, tongue, diaphragm, and heart) from 400 goats free of macroscopic cysts were investigated randomly via impression smear and digestion method. Results: The infection rate of macroscopic cysts was 9.48% and the highest infection rate was observed in the esophagus (91.1%). There was no significant relationship between the infection rate of macroscopic cysts and the age or gender (p value >0.05). The infection rate of microscopic cysts was 59.5% and 100% via impression smear and digestion method, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the infection rate of microscopic cysts and age (p value =0.002), whereas the relationship between the infection rate and age did not constitute statistical significance (p value =0.700). Conclusion: The results showed that digestion method was the most sensitive method for the detection of sarcocystis in goats and 100% of the goats were infected by this method. Thus for the prevention of human infection, the meat should be frozen or cooked sufficiently before consumption irrespective of the results of carcass inspection.

Background & Objective: Sulfasalazine (SASP) is a drug used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. SASP causes testicular damage. The aim of this study was to verify whether or not an additional supply of vitamin E or C or together prevent the toxic effect of SASP on the rat spermatogenesis. Materials & methods: Adult male wistar rats (150-200 gr) were divided into five groups (n=8) control and four experimental groups. The experimental groups were treated with SASP (600 mg/kg/day by gavage feeding ) for 14 successive days. Additionally the experimental group 2 were treated with the vitamin C (20 mg/kg/body weight/daily), the experimental group 3 received vitamins E (200 mg/kg body weight/daily) and the experimental group 4 received daily vitamin C and vitamin E 20 and 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively through the same root. At the end of the experimental period the mean body weight growth and the ratio between body and testis weight were calculated and compared with the control groups, Spermatogenesis Parameters such as, daily Sperm count, percent of motility, viability, Daily sperm production (DSP), testicular histopathology, serum testosterone levels and the level of Malondialehyde (MDA) were evaluated. The data were analyzed using Danken and one way variance test and the P≤ 0.05 were considered significant.Results: Sperm count, percent of motility, viability and DSP were decreased in SASP treated animals. A significant decrease in the number of sertoli cells, Leydig cells, spermatogonia and spermatid were seen in the testis of SASP treated animals. The level of MDA was increased in the SASP treated group. However, Co-administration of vitamin E and C with SASP reduced the level of MDA and deleterious effects of SASP on the sperm parameters and testicular histology. Finally, the Co-administration of vitamin E and C had the most protective effects when compared with the control groups. Conclusion: The results suggested that additional supply of vitamin E and C protect against SASP–induced oxidative stress in the rat testis.

Background & Objective: Sulfasalazine (SASP) is a drug used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. SASP causes testicular damage. The aim of this study was to verify whether or not an additional supply of vitamin E or C or together prevent the toxic effect of SASP on the rat spermatogenesis. Materials & methods: Adult male wistar rats (150-200 gr) were divided into five groups (n=8) control and four experimental groups. The experimental groups were treated with SASP (600 mg/kg/day by gavage feeding ) for 14 successive days. Additionally the experimental group 2 were treated with the vitamin C (20 mg/kg/body weight/daily), the experimental group 3 received vitamins E (200 mg/kg body weight/daily) and the experimental group 4 received daily vitamin C and vitamin E 20 and 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively through the same root. At the end of the experimental period the mean body weight growth and the ratio between body and testis weight were calculated and compared with the control groups, Spermatogenesis Parameters such as, daily Sperm count, percent of motility, viability, Daily sperm production (DSP), testicular histopathology, serum testosterone levels and the level of Malondialehyde (MDA) were evaluated. The data were analyzed using Danken and one way variance test and the P≤ 0.05 were considered significant.Results: Sperm count, percent of motility, viability and DSP were decreased in SASP treated animals. A significant decrease in the number of sertoli cells, Leydig cells, spermatogonia and spermatid were seen in the testis of SASP treated animals. The level of MDA was increased in the SASP treated group. However, Co-administration of vitamin E and C with SASP reduced the level of MDA and deleterious effects of SASP on the sperm parameters and testicular histology. Finally, the Co-administration of vitamin E and C had the most protective effects when compared with the control groups. Conclusion: The results suggested that additional supply of vitamin E and C protect against SASP–induced oxidative stress in the rat testis.