The Effects of Olive Leaf Extract on The Testis, Sperm Quality and Testicular Germ Cell Apoptosis in Male Rats Exposed to Busulfan

Objective Busulfan (BU) has a destructive effect on the male reproductive system. On the one hand, traditional herbs such as olive leaf extract (OLE) have been considered as sources of antioxidants and phenolic compounds. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of OLE on BU-induced damages in rat testes. MaterialsAndMethods In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats divided randomly into 5 groups. The control group (CTL) received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), intraperitoneally (i.p.) for one time, which followed by administration of distilled water orally for 5 weeks. In BU group, BU (10 mg/kg) administrated i.p for one time. In co-treatment groups, at first mice received BU (10 mg/kg, i.p., and one time) and then OLE administrated orally at different doses of 250 mg/kg (BU+OLE 250), 500 mg/kg (BU+OLE 500) and 750 mg/kg (BU+OLE 750) for 5 weeks. Next, rats were sacrificed and blood and sperm were collected. Left testis was removed to investigate testicular parameters and apoptosis by using H&E and TUNEL staining, respectively. All data were analyzed by SPSS software, P