Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) fruit extract ameliorates methotrexate‐induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

Authors : Fatma KANPALTA, Dilek OZBEYLI, Ali SEN, Ozge CEVIK, Goksel SENER, Feriha ERCAN

Pages : 222-228

Doi:10.5472/marumj.988941

View : 28 | Download : 10

Publication Date : 2021-10-27

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: Methotrexate insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(MTX); is a drug commonly used for the treatment of malign neoplastic and inflammatory diseases. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of bitter melon insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(BM); were reported. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of BM fruit extract on MTX-induced testicular and epididymal damage. Materials and Methods: Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into three groups insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=8); as control, MTX and MTX+BM. A single dose of MTX insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(20 mg/kg); was injected intraperitoneally to the MTX and MTX+BM groups. BM fruit extract insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(600 mg/kg); was applied to the MTX+BM group orally for 5 days. Testes were examined for general histopathology, proliferating and apoptotic cells. The epididymis samples were used for the evaluation of sperm morphology. Oxidative and inflammatory markers were analysed biochemically. Results: Increased abnormal spermatozoa, degenerated seminiferous tubules with increased apoptotic cells and decreased proliferative cells were observed in the MTX group. TNF-α, IL-1β, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine and caspase-3 levels increased, superoxide dismutase and catalase levels decreased in both testis and epididymis samples. All these histological and biochemical parameters were ameliorated in the MTX+BM group. Conclusion: Methotrexate causes testis damage by decreasing spermatogenic cells and increasing apoptosis through oxidative stress and inflammation. BM extract improves testis and epididymis damage with its possible anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Keywords : Methotrexate, Bitter melon, Testis, Epididymis, Oxidative stres