Histological and biochemical investigation of the possible effect of viburnum opulus on cisplatin-induced testicular damage in rats

AIM: Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic used in many cancers and can cause infertility by inducing testicular damage through direct toxicity and oxidative stress. This damage is often reversible. In our study, we investigated whether this damage can be prevented with the antioxidant Viburnum Opulus. Our aim was to reduce the risk of infertility seen in young men after cisplatin treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two adult male Wistar Albino rats (241 ± 26 g) were randomly allocated into four groups (n=8). The control group received no treatment. Group 2 received 100 mg/kg oral Viburnum opulus for 12 days. Group 3 received a single intraperitoneal dose of cisplatin (7 mg/kg). Group 4 received cisplatin (7 mg/kg, i.p.) followed by oral Viburnum opulus (100 mg/kg) for 12 days. At the end of the experimental period, anesthesia was achieved with ketamine (40 mg/kg) and xylazine (8 mg/kg). Testes were surgically removed, blood samples were collected, and the animals were sacrificed. RESULTS: Histometric evaluations (Johnsen score, germinal epithelium thickness, and seminiferous tubule diameter) revealed significant reductions in the cisplatin group (p<0.05), whereas the cisplatin + Viburnum Opulus group demonstrated significant improvement (p<0.05). Semen parameters, including total sperm concentration, progressive motility, and normal morphology, were significantly decreased in the cisplatin group and significantly restored in the cisplatin + Viburnum Opulus group (p<0.05). Biochemical analyses showed significant intergroup differences in testosterone, inhibin-B, CAT, SOD, 8-OHdG, MPO, MDA, TAS, and TOS, with no significant change in GPx. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that Viburnum Opulus effectively reduces cisplatin-induced testicular damage and oxidative stress, suggesting its potential as a protective agent against chemotherapy-related male infertility. Key Words: Cisplatin, testis, Viburnum Opulus