Protective Effects of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) on Sperm Parameters and Spermatogenesis Quality in Rats Exposed to Lead
نویسندگان
1 Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran
2 Faculty Member of Nursing and Midwifery Department, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, IR Iran
3 Faculty Member of Nursing and Midwifery Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IR Iran
4 Faculty Member of Nursing and Midwifery Department, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, IR Iran
doi
چکیده
Background: Some medicinal plants with their antioxidant properties have protective effects on sperm parameters and neutralizethe harmful effects of lead exposure.Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the effects of Melissa on sperm parameters and spermatogenesis quality in adultrats exposed to lead.Methods: This animal experimental study was conducted on 45 male Wistar rats weighing 180 20 g, which were allocated randomlyinto five groups (n=9): distilled water gavages (control) (0.5 ml); intraperitoneal distilled water (i.p. control) (0.5 ml); Melissa(100 mg/kg/bw); lead acetate (10 mg/kg/bw); and lead acetate (10 mg/kg/bw) plus Melissa (100 mg/kg/bw). After a 30-day treatment,the animals were sacrificed. Spermparameters (count, motility, morphology, andchromatins assay)andweighing of the epididymisand testis were performed.Results: The results showed that in the lead acetate plus Melissa group, epididymis weight (0.37gr vs. 0.32gr), testis weight (1.40 vs.1.28g ), sperm motility (4.44% vs. 33.2 %(, and viable sperm (90 vs. 50) were higher than the lead group. However, testicular weight,normal morphology, and DNA percentage showed insignificant differences among the study groups (P > 0.05).Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate the protective effects of Melissa officinalis on some sperm parameters andspermatogenesis quality in rats exposed to lead.
