Antiapoptotic and antioxidant effects of primula vulgaris L. against methotrexate-induced testicular damage in rats

In this study, antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of P. vulgaris against MTX-induced testicular injurt were investigated. 32 Sprague-Dawley male rats 250-300 g bw. were used 4 groups (control, MTX, MTX + P. vulgaris and P.vulgaris) each including 8 rats were constructed. The control group rats were given only 0.8mg/kg physiological saline by gavage for 7 days. The MTX group rats were applied a single dose 30mg/kg MTX on the first day. The MTX + P.vulgaris group rats applied a single dose (30mg/kg) MTX on the first day and this group were given 100mg/kg liquid extract by gavage for 7 days starting from the first day. P.vulgaris group rats were given 100 mg/kg by gavage for 7 days. On Day 8, testicles and epididymides of rats were removed under anesthesia, blood samples were taken and rats were euthanized by exsanguination. The removed testicles were divided in two part where one part from each testicle was used for histological procedures and the other part of half testicle for biochemical analyses with blood samples. The removed epididymides were used for evaluating sperm count, motility and vitality. It was determined that with respect to control group; the seminiferous tubule diameter, epithelial thickness, sperm count, motility, vitality and Johnsen score were lower and apoptotic index as well as seminiferous tubule number that immature germ cells fell into its lumen were higher in MTX group. It was also determined that with respect to MTX group; seminiferous tubule diameter, epithelial thickness, sperm count, motility, vitality and Johnsen score were higher and as well as seminiferous tubule number that immature germ cells fell into its lumen were lower in MTX + P. vulgaris group. After biochemical analyses; MDA was found to be higher, SOD and CAT were found to be lower in both blood plasmas and testicular tissues in MTX group with respect to control group. After given practices; it was concluded that MTX injured testicles by creating oxidative stress and Primula vulgaris reduced the injury by its antioxidant effects.