Crocin Reduces Oxidative Stress Produced by Busulfan Administration on Fertility of Male Rats

Background & Objective: Busulfan (BUS) as a drug for cancer treatment can produce free radicals. Crocin (CRO) is a potent antioxidant with beneficial effects. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of CRO against BUS-related damages to the male rats reproductive parameters. Materials & Methods: Forty-eight male rats were randomly assigned into 8 groups; Group 1 (normal control group) received normal saline; Group 2 (BUS control group) received 10 mg/kg/body weight (b.w.) of BUS; Group 3-5 (CRO groups) received 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 mg/kg/b.w. of CRO, respectively; Group 6-8 (BUS + CRO groups) received BUS + CRO. Treatments were administered daily by intraperitoneal injection in a five-week period. The sperm parameters, testis malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), testosterone level, and germinal layer height were evaluated histologically and analyzed statistically. Results: All parameters reduced significantly in the BUS control group compared to the normal control group (P<0.01) except the MDA level (which increased). The CRO and CRO + BUS treatments in all doses increased whole parameters significantly compared to the BUS control group (P<0.01) except MDA level (which decreased). No significant modifications were observed in all CRO groups compared to the normal control group (P>0.05). Conclusion: It seems that CRO could increase the quality of spermatozoa and improves BUS -induced adverse effects on male fertility parameters.