Histological and Immunohistochemical Study on the Effect of Cyclophosphamide in Testis of Adult Albino Rats and the possible protective role of Vitamin E and Alpha Lipoic Acid

Background: cyclophosphamide is an immunosuppressive agent and anticancer drug in childhood and adult malignant tumors. The compounds that have antioxidant properties might improve the side effect of cyclophosphamide on spermatogenesis. The aim of the work: This study designed to evaluate the effect of cyclophosphamide in testis of adult albino rats and the possible protective role of vitamin E and alpha lipoic acid.
Materials and Methods: Forty male adult albino rats were divided equally into five groups Group I as a control group, Group II rats were given cyclophosphamide. Group III rats were given cyclophosphamide concomitantly with vitamin E. Group IV rats were given cyclophosphamide concomitantly with alpha lipoic acid. And Group V rats were given cyclophosphamide and a combination of vitamin E plus alpha lipoic acid. The testis samples were prepared for histological examination and PCNA immunohistochemical stain.
Results: cyclophosphamide induced destruction of normal testicular histological structure, increased collagen fibers deposition and significantly decreased main area percent of PCNA immune-positive germ cells indicating decreased spermatogenesis. In group III vitamin E mild prevented the pathological changes in testicular tissue and non significantly increased the main area percent of PCNA immune-positive germ cells. While in group IV alpha lipoic acid enhanced marked preservation of the lined germinal cells and significantly increased the main area percent of PCNA immune-positive germ cells compared to group II. However, in group V there was almost total prevention of side effects induced by cyclophosphamide in adult rat testis and preservation of spermatogenesis.
Conclusion: Cyclophosphamide induced damage in histological structure of testis and decreased spermatogenesis of adult rats. Alpha lipoic acid comparatively preserved the normal histological structure of testis and normal spermatogenesis than vitamin E. However, administration of vitamin E and alph lipoic acid together was almost totally prevented the damaging effect of cyclophosphamide.