The anti-apoptotic and antioxidant effects of Naringenin in varicocele-induced testicular damage.

OBJECTIVE

Varicocele is a prevalent condition among the male population, representing a significant cause of male infertility. Naringenin, a flavonoid, has demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

METHODS

In this study, 24 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control group, sham group, a varicocele-induced rat (VCL) group, and a varicocele-with-Naringenin (20 mg/kg) treatment group (N20+C). Following a 21-day period, the rats were euthanized, and the quality of the tissue, the level of oxidative stress, the expression levels of HSP70, and the expression levels of the genes VEGF, BCL-2, caspase-3, and IL-6 in the testes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Based on H&E images, varicocele induced tissue damage was improved by Naringenin. The expression of HSP70 in the VCl group increased in comparison to the Sham group, and in the N20+C group (p<0.001) it was lower than in the VCL group (p<0.05). MDA in the VCL group increased, SOD and TAC decreased when compared to the Control group (p<0.01), and there was no significant difference between the N20+C and the Control group. In the VCL group the expression of VEGF (p<0.05), caspase-3 (p<0.001) and IL-6 (p<0.001) genes increased in the VCL Group, and BCL-2 (p<0.05) decreased in comparison to the Control group. The expression of VEGF (p<0.05) and BCL-2 (p<0.05) increased and caspase-3 (p<0.001) and IL-6 (p<0.001) genes decreased in the N20+C group when compared to the VCL group.

CONCLUSIONS

Naringenin has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress and apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway in rats with varicocele. This finding suggests that naringenin may be a promising candidate for mitigating the adverse effects associated with varicocele.