Molecular biological investigation of the protective effects of royal jelly against testicular damage caused by fluoride

Fluoride is taken into the body daily through food and drinking water. If this element is taken more than its safe value, chronic fluorine poisoning occurs, known as fluorosis. The therapeutic use of bee products dates to ancient times. Today, the rapid recovery of these treatment methods against various diseases has increased the areas of use and the number of users. This study was carried out to investigate the protective properties of royal jelly on the testicular tissue of rats with testicular damage by giving fluoride. Lipid peroxidation in testicular tissue was determined by MDA (malondialdehyde) analysis. CAT (catalase) and GSH (glutathione) levels were determined by spectrophotometer. Sperm motility, epididymal sperm density and abnormal sperm ratios of rats were examined according to the methods in the literature and visualized with a light microscope. Testicular damage examinations of rats were evaluated by Tunel method. Sperm motility, epididymal sperm density and abnormal sperm ratios were examined and visualized with a light microscope. Expression levels of Caspase-3, Bcl-2, Nrf-2, NF-κB, Cox-2, TNF-α and IL1-α proteins in testis tissue were determined by western blot technique. As a result of the study, MDA level, expression level of Bcl-2, NF-ҡB, Cox-2, TNF-α and IL1-α proteins, abnormal sperm rates were found higher in Fluoride-50 and Fluoride-100 groups compared to other groups. In addition, more degeneration was found in the testicular tissue in the histological evaluation in the Fluoride-50 and Fluoride-100 groups compared to the other groups. On the other hand, GSH, Catalase enzyme levels, expression levels of Caspase-3 and Nrf-2 proteins were found to be higher in Fluoride + Royal Jelly groups compared to Fluoride-50 and Fluoride-100 groups. In addition, lower degeneration of testicular tissue was found in the histological evaluation in the Fluoride + Royal Jelly groups compared to the other groups. As a result, when the data are evaluated, we believe that royal jelly provides effective protection against testicular damage. From this point of view, we hope that similar results will be obtained when royal jelly is tested on humans.