Ameliorative effect of spirulina on methotrexate-induced male fertility and oxidative stress in rats.

BACKGROUND

Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug that is used despite having several toxic effects. Spirulina is commonly consumed as a food supplement because of its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and other beneficial effects. Aim: The present study was conducted to investigate the adverse effects of MTX on male sex hormones and subsequently its effects on oxidant/antioxidant status. The ameliorative effects of spirulina against such MTX-induced adverse effects were also evaluated.

METHODS

Forty male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, spirulina, MTX, and MTX + spirulina groups. The levels of testosterone (free and total), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin hormone were evaluated as biochemical markers of MTX-induced infertility. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were assayed in liver tissue as oxidative stress markers.

RESULTS

The results obtained from the current study showed that Spirulina improved the adverse effects of MTX on testosterone (free and total), LH, FSH, MDA, and TAC.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study indicated that spirulina can be used to ameliorate MTX-induced adverse effects on male infertility and oxidative stress.