Analysis of Spermatogenesis and CREM Gene Expression in Testis of Rat Treated with Matricaria recutita

Camp-Responsive Element Modulator (CREM) is a key factor in the regulation of the expression of number of post-meiotic genes during spermatogenesis. Matricaria recutita shows different pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, treatment of stress and depression, anti-allergic and etc. The objectives of this study are to investigate effects of Matricaria recutita on spermatogenesis and CREM expression at MRNA level. Animals were divided into 3 groups with 7 rats in each. The extract administered orally in the doses 100 and 150 mg/kg/day to rats for 56 consecutive days. Sperm analysis and RT-PCR were carried out to investigate rat reproductive function. Results indicated significant decrease in the epididymal sperm counts and sperm motility of experimental groups compared to control group. Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) showed a decrease in the expression of CREM in the testes of experimental groups. From the data it can be concluded that Matricaria recutita has anti-spermatogenic properties.