Effect of kisspeptin on methotrexate induced lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and the changes in sperm quality in rats

The purpose of this study is to determine effects of metotrexate on oxidative stress, antioxidative system and spermatogenesis and changes caused by Kisspeptin-10 administration on these effects. For this purpose, total of 48 wistar albino rats are divided into groups as; group 1 control (n:6, saline), group II MTX (n:10, i.p MTX 20 mg/kg single dose), group III (n:6, i.p Kisspeptin-10, 50 nmol/kg, 5 days/dose), group IV (n:6, Kisspeptin-10, 50 nmol/kg, 10 days/dose), group V (n:10, MTX 20 mg/kg single dose + Kisspeptin-10, 50 nmol/kg 5 days/dose) and group VI (n:10, MTX 20 mg/kg single dose + Kisspeptin-10, 50 nmol/kg, 10 days/dose). Plasma and testicular tissue MDA, GSH, GSH.Px and activity of catalase levels, semen parameters and serum testesteron levels were measured in treated groups. At the end of the study, MDA levels that increased by MTX applications in testicular tissue (p<0.05) showed significant decrease in group V and group VI by Kisspeptin administration (p<0.05).The levels of GSH in the testicular tissue and plasma were significantly increased in group V and group VI. While testicular tissue GSH.Px levels decreased with MTX administration (p<0.05), while in group VI was increased by Kisspeptin adminstration(p<0.05). Serum testesteron levels showed a significant decrease with MTX administration (p<0.001) and it returned the normal levels with 10 day Kisspeptin administration in treatment group (p<0.001). In case of spermatological parameters with MTX administration, decreased motility (p<0.001), and increased rates of abnormal spermatozoon (p<0.05), an improvement was seen in treatment groups (group V and VI) with increased motility (p<0.001), and decreased abnormal spermatozoon counts (p<0.05). As a result of the study, it was concluded that adverse effects on reproductive system with MTX administration may be eliminated with short and long-term Kisspeptin-10 administration.