The potential ameliorative effect of curcumin nanoemulsion on busulfan-induced testicular toxicity in adult rat model.

Many factors contribute to infertility. Among these are chemotherapeutic drugs as they interfere with cell division and spermatogenesis. Busulfan (BU) is one of these drugs that is applied in the treatment of many malignancies. Latest studies have focused on the protective impact of medicinal plant products, such as curcumin (CU), for ameliorating tissue damage through their antioxidant properties. Nanoparticles are now used to improve drug delivery and efficacy. Our study was aimed at assessing the potential therapeutic effect of curcumin nanoemulsion (CU-NE) on busulfan-induced testicular toxicity in adult rats. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were randomly distributed in six groups, 8 rats each: Control groups; group I: negative control, II: vehicle control, III: CU-NE. Group IV: BU, group V: CU-NE+BU and group VI: spontaneous recovery. Each group was assessed regarding serum level of testosterone, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels were measured in testicular tissue. Moreover, sperm parameters were measured, and histological examination of the testis was performed. CU-NE significantly improved all the tested parameters and ameliorated the degenerative changes found in the testis following busulfan administration. Thus, CU-NE could be a promising therapeutic agent that restores spermatogenesis and facilitates regeneration of the seminiferous epithelium after chemotherapy-induced testicular damage.