The effect of busulfan on the expression changes of Nrf -2 and Keap-1 genes in testicular tissue of male Wistar rats

One of the most well-known side effects of anticancer drugs is disruption of spermatogenesis, which in many cases causes infertility. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression change of Nrf-2 and Keap-1 genes due to peritoneal injection of busulfan in male Wistar rats.

In this study, 20 two-month-old adult male Wistar albino rats weighing approximately 200-150 g were studied in two groups: control group (healthy) and busulfan group. After this period, the testicular tissue of the mice was isolated and evaluated for the expression of Nrf-2 and Keap-1 genes, as well as changes in testosterone, FSH and LH. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and one way ANOVA statistical test.

Statistical analysis of the results showed that the expression of Nrf-2 and Keap-1 genes in the treatment group (busulfan) decreased compared to the control group, but this decrease was not statistically significant (0.2951 and P = 0.3528). LH and testosterone levels were not significantly different between the control and treated groups (0.1327 and P = 0.0809) but FSH levels were significant between the two groups (P = 0.0189).

The results of this study showed that busulfan can affect the level of FSH, which is effective in spermatogenesis, by causing changes in the expression of keap1 and Nrf-2 genes and cause infertility. Therefore, these genetic and hormonal factors can be used to predict infertility.