Effect of pumpkin extract regimen on testicular structure and serum biochemical parameters in cyclophosphamide-treated adult rats

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of pumpkin extract regimen on testicular structure and serum biochemical parameters in cyclophosphamide (CP) -treated adult rats. In this experimental study، 40 adult male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were allocated into 4 groups (n=10). The first group (control) received a single-dose of saline (1 ml); the second group a single dose of CP (100 mg/kg body weight); the third and fourth group pumpkin extract (300 and 600 mg orally، respectively) for 6-week after CP. Histological and morphological structures of the testis، malondialdehyde (MDA)، reactive oxygen species (ROS)، the antioxidant and testosterone levels in serum were evaluated in different groups. Findings of this study showed that the number of germ cells and epithelium thickness in seminiferous tubules were decreased in the CP group compared to the control (P<0. 001). These variables increased in the pumpkin extract group compared to the CP group (P<0. 001). Pumpkin extract (300 and 600 mg/kg) increased the antioxidant and ROS levels in serum compared to the control and CP groups، respectively (P<0. 05). Pumpkin extract (300 mg/kg) has an antioxidant activity and thus can reduce the adverse effects of CP in testis.