Effects of L-carnitien on spermatic parameters and antioxidant enzyme activity in toxicity induced by busulfan in a rat model

Busulfan, a chemotherapy agent, is widely administrated for treatment of lymphoma and leukemia as well as bone transplantation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-oxidant effects of L-carnitine on sperm parameters and anti-oxidant enzymes activity (SOD and catalase), and MDA concentration in the busulflan- impaired testis tissue of rat animal model. A total of 24 Wistar rats, 220-250g, were randomly divided into 4 equal groups including the busulfan, busulfan+L-carnintine, Sham, and control groups. Busulfan was diluted in DMSO and intra-peritoneally (IP) administrated in two doses 25 and 10 mg/kg with 14-day interval in the busulfan and busulfan+L-carnitine groups. Administration of L-carnitine was daily started 1day after busulfan injection for 28day. The sham and control groups daily received DMSO, and PBS, respectively. After 28 days, the animals were euthanized and the semen was collected from the epididymis and the testicular tissues were removed to assess sperm parameters and biochemical analysis including SOD, catalase and MDA. The highest sperm parameters were belonged to control followed by sham, busulfan+L-carnitine and busulfan groups. The highest level of MDA and the lowest SOD and catalase activity was belonged to busulfan followed by busulfan+L-carnitine, sham and control groups. In conclusion, administration of L-carnitine can attenuate busulfan-induced stress oxidative injuries of sperm parameters in rats.