Improvement of testis histological parameters and relative expression of StAR gene in Chrysin-fed roosters

Chrysin was orally administered to evaluate testicular histology and relative StAR expression of Ross 308 roosters in the current study. Twenty roosters were randomly divided into four groups and were subjected to the basal diet supplemented with different levels of Chrysin including 0 (Ch0), 25 (Ch25), 50 (Ch50) or 75 (Ch75) mg/bird/day for 12 successive weeks. At the end of trial, all birds were killed and two samples were collected from the same testicle one of which was processed for histology, whereas another was snap-frozen with liquid nitrogen to assess relative gene expression. According to the results, seminiferous tubule and epithelium diameters (p<0.05) and spermatogonial numbers (p<0.01) of both CH75 and Ch50 groups were significantly improved compared to control group. However, Leydig cell numbers and blood vessels were not significantly affected. Birds fed 75 mg of Chrysin per day had significantly higher StARtranscript level compared to other groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, oral administration of Chrysin to roosters could improve testicular histology and steroidogenic parameters in the current study.