Experimental accelerating testicular tissue recovery post-methotrexate treatment in rats: A promising role of Sertoli cell-conditioned medium: An experimental study

• Main Authors: Aref Delkhosh (Author), Fatemeh Shabani (Author), Masoud Delashoub (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, 2024-06-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2476-4108; 2476-3772; 10.18502/ijrm.v22i4.16390
• Keywords: sertoli cell, conditioned culture media, methotrexate, testis, histopathology, rats.; Gynecology and obstetrics; RG1-991; Reproduction; QH471-489
• Source: International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine, Vol 22, Iss 4, Pp 295-304 (2024)

Abstract Background: Methotrexate (MET) is one of the most important chemotherapy agents used against various tumors and cancer diseases. One of the critical side effects of MET is inducing male infertility. Objective: The current study aimed to investigate Sertoli cell culture-conditioned medium (SCM) recovery effects on MET-induced conditions in rats. Materials and Methods: 30 mature male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10). In the first group, rats received normal saline intraperitoneally. In the second group, animals received MET (10 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) once a week for 2 wk. The rats in the third group (MET+SCM) received MET and a single injection of SCM for 56 days post-MET administration. 56 days later, serum, epididymis, and testicular tissue samples were collected, and the animals were euthanized. Sperm parameters, serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone were examined. The testicular tissues were stained using hematoxylin and eosin solution, and histopathological changes were analyzed. Results: The MET-induced condition resulted in significant pathological changes in the testis, decreased hormone levels, and downregulated sperm parameters. However, SCM injection improved hormonal levels, testicular changes, and sperm parameters. Conclusion: It can be concluded that a single intra-testicular SCM injection accelerates male reproductive system recovery post-MET treatment.