Abstract
Background: About 10-15% of couples experience infertility, which is a serious health issue, with 40% of cases being attributed to male partners. Studies have reported that aspirin can induce reproductive toxicity, hence leading to infertility. Quercetin is a natural product and dietary supplement that has been utilized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is crucial to find an antioxidant that can enhance fertility and mitigate the harmful effects on male fertility. This study aimed to assess the morphological and molecular effects of quercetin on aspirin-induced testicular damage in Wistar rats.
Methods: Thirty-five adult male Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g were divided into seven groups. Olive oil and normal saline were administered to the two control groups. Aspirin (50 mg/kg/day), quercetin (30 mg/kg/day or 60 mg/kg/day), or a combination of aspirin and quercetin was administered to the remaining groups. The study lasted for 30 days, and assessments were conducted through morphological and molecular evaluations.
Results: It was found that animals in the control (normal saline), olive oil, and quercetin groups showed no significant increase in gross anatomical parameters or histomorphology but underwent an increase in body weight, indicating an active growth phase. Quercetin treatment improved the sperm count, motility, and morphology of aspirin-induced groups, which also had some molecular and histomorphology alterations.
Conclusion: Potential of Quercetin as a medicinal substance can substantially improve aspirin-induced testicular toxicity.