Protective effects of thymoquinone on 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induced testis damage

The most toxic type of dioxins, known as organic chlorinated compounds, is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxine (TCDD). Long-term exposure has been shown to have effects such as cancer, immune system, hormone and reproductive system disorders, morphological changes in reproductive organs of men and regression of spermatogenesis. Thymoquinone is a bioactive ingredient found in Nigella sativa essential oil. It is used as a traditional medicine in the Middle and Far East. Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-allergic and anti-carcinogenic effects are known bioflavoid. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Thymoquinon on histological and hormonal changes in testes of rats given TCDD. At the end of the experiment, testicular tissues were examined by light microscopy after staining after tissue follow-up and biochemical hormone levels were evaluated in blood sera. Results: The mean weight difference in the TCDD group, the decrease in the johnsen and intact tubule scores, the increase in cell debris, congestion, degeneration scores in the tubules, the increase in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the thickness of the germinal epithelium were not significant compared to the control group. Serum testosterone and progesterone levels were decreased, estradiol levels increased, immunohistochemically increased Cas-9 and AhR immunoreactivity, Dicer and Drosha immunoreactivity decreased. In TCDD + TQ group, body mean weight difference is higher than TCDD group and control is lower than My, TQ groups. Decrease in histological parameters, increase in testosterone and progesterone compared to TCDD group were found to be lower than control, My, TQ groups, and estradiol levels were decreased compared to MY groups. A decrease in Cas-9 and AhR immunoreactivity and an increase in Dicer and Drosha immunoreactivity were observed. Conclusion: The TQ has significantly improved biochemical and histological testicular damage induced by TCDD in testicular tissues of male rats.