Protective effect of walnut leaves on testicular tissue and sperm parameters in rats irradiated by gamma rays

Background: Radioprotectors are agents required to protect biological system exposed to radiation, either naturally and they protect normal cells from radiation injury in patients. Previous studies have shown antioxidants top of walnut leaves. The growing interest in the substitution of synthetic food antioxidants by natural ones has fostered research on vegetable sources and on the screening of raw materials, for identifying new antioxidants. The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the detrimental radioprotective effects of walnut leaves on testicular tissue and sperm quality in rats.Methods: Thirty mature male rats were randomly divided into three equal groups (n=6). The positive control group (exposed to 10 Gy of gamma rays) and groups of walnut leaves and gamma ray (300,200,100 mg / kg) were administered to mice 60 min before gamma irradiation and histological parameters such as testis weight, sperm count, frequency of abnormal sperm, repopulation index, on the 45th day. The third group as the control group received No gamma-ray and walnut leaves. Following exposure x-ray animals after 45 days to detect effects, the epididymal tissues were taken for sperm analysis as well as testes removed for histological examination.Result: The results of effects showed that the epididymal sperm concentration and the percentage of progressive sperm motility significantly increased (p< 0.01), and the abnormal sperm rate significantly decreased (p< 0.01) in experimental groups compared to the positive control group. Testicular histology analysis, 45 days after exposure x-ray showed that walnut leaves have protective alterations such as epithelial vacuolization and seminiferous tubles atrophy.Conclusion: The walnut leaves can protect testicular tissue and decrease sperm quality in contrast to the damaging effects of gamma rays. So, they can be used as a natural herbal medicine in patients treated with radiation and gamma radiation shielding used to maintain male fertility.

کلیدواژه ها:

Histological changes ، Rats ، Sperm parameters ، Testis ، Walnut leaves