Protective effect of quercetin against naf toxicity in testicular tissue of rats

Objective: NaF is used as a therapeutic agent for dental health, as well as taken to body in many ways. NaF exposure may occur as a result of topical applications, introduction to drinking water or systemic use such as tablets. It has been stated that damage to various organs and tissues may occur as a result of this exposure. In our study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of quercetin with the antioxidative, free radical scavenging and cytoprotective effects on the testis tissue as a result of NaF exposure and histological and biochemical methods. Materials and Methods: In our study, histological and immunohistochemical methods, and serum biochemical methods were performed in testis tissues of control group, corn oil group, NaF group, quercetin group and NaF + quercetin group rats. Results: Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed irregularity at the boundaries of the seminiferous tubules, degeneration of the germinative epithelium, separation from the basement membrane. Caspase 3 staining showed an increase in the Naf group whereas it was nearly normal in Q+Naf group. Conclusions: When the findings were evaluated, blood testosterone, LH and FSH hormone levels were decreased in addition to histological and biochemical damages in the testis tissue in the NaF exposure group. For this reason, it is thought that the use of quercetin in people with endemic fluorosis due to shaip to source waters containing high fluoride in our country or due to dental treatment may be contributing to the prevention of the decrease of testosterone levels in histological and biochemical aspects of testicular tissue in individuals who have been exposed to NaF exposure. Key Words: Testis, Sodium Fluoride, Quercetin, Microscopy.