Investigation of the Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Apoptosis Gene Expression and Oxidative Stress after Busulfan Injection in Rats

As a chemotherapy drug which is used for the treatment of cancer, busulfan causes certain complications in tissues, including the genital system, due to the existence of free radicals.Preserving the reproductive system and fertility with medications and antioxidant supplements seems necessary in these patients.

Thirty-two male Wistar rats were used in 4 groups of 8. For the control group, the busulfan solution was injected (incl. DMSO + PBS) at a volume of 0.1 ml, and for the busulfan group, a single dose of 10 mg / kg was injected intraperitoneally. The Co.A Q10 group received 10 mg / kg of body weight daily (0.15 ml) by intraperitoneal injection for 35 days. At the end of the experiment, the serum of animals was collected in order to measure the antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase. Moreover, after measuring the testicular to testicle ratio, the testicles were divided into two parts and evaluated for the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 genes, and immunohistochemical staining they got.

  The results showed that oxidative stress increased in muscles treated by busulfan in 35 days, while it was significantly decreased in the Co.A Q10 receptor group by increasing antioxidant enzymes. RT-PCR evaluation showed that Caspase 3 and Bcl-2 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in the group receiving busulfan alone.

The use of Co.A Q10 supplementation can lead to a renewal of spermatogenesis due to the reduction of oxidative stress and the effect on apoptosis in busulfan treated mice