Effects of saponin on testes oxidative stress, apoptosis, and steroid hormone synthesis pathway in bile duct ligation model of obstructive cholestasis in male Wistar rats.

Cholestasis occurs when bile flow is disrupted and toxic bile acids accumulate in the liver. This leads to systemic oxidative stress that may affect other organs including the testes. Cholestasis can cause testicular dysfunction. Saponins have antioxidant capacity and can elevate testosterone levels. In this study, a bile duct ligation (BDL) model of cholestasis has been used to assess the effects of cholestasis on antioxidant activity, apoptosis, steroid hormone synthesis pathway, and histopathological changes in testes and then evaluate the capability of saponin in attenuation of the injuries. We performed an in vivo study and experimental groups were as follows: control (healthy rats+0.5 mL distilled water); sham (laparotomy without BDL); saponin control (200 or 400 mg/kg); BDL; and saponin treatment (BDL rats+200 or 400 mg/kg saponin). Catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and protein expression was assessed by Western blotting. Hematoxylin & Eosin staining was done for histopathological analysis. The results indicated that BDL reduced CAT and SOD activity and stimulated apoptosis. Moreover, protein expression of Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) was down-regulated and histopathological changes occurred. Saponin could increase SOD and CAT activity and decrease apoptosis. Also, StAR, 17β-HSD, and 3β-HSD expression were increased by saponin. In addition, histological changes were ameliorated by saponin treatment. All these data indicate that saponin may effectively reverse the modifications caused by cholestasis in the testes.