Effects of apigenin on scrotal heat-induced damage in the mice testis

To investigate the effect of apigenin on scrotal heat-induced damage in mice, 8-week-old ICR mice were divided into five groups: (I) control group; (II) heat-treat (H) group; (III) H + apigenin 10 mg/kg; (IV) H + apigenin 20 mg/kg; (V) H + apigenin 50 mg/kg. Serum testosterone and inhibin B levels by immunoassays were evaluated. The related oxidative damage markers were determined by kit and histopathological examination was also performed. The results showed that the administration of apigenin was shown a significant effect on the recovery of testis function. When compared with the H group, the H + apigenin groups showed a significant increase in testosterone and inhibin B levels. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity increased after treated by apigenin, but malondialdehyde (MDA) reduced. Histopathological examination further verified the effects of apigenin on scrotal heat-induced damage mice. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate for the first time the ability of apigenin in attenuation of heat-induced testicular damage, apigenin therapy may be useful as a suppressor of degenerative effects following testicular hyperthermia.