The Protective Effect of Quercetin on Sperm Parameters and Serum Biochemical Factors in Adult Mice Treated with Dexamethasone

Background and Objectives: Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid, which causes oxidative stress in the testicular tissue. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of quercetin as a powerful antioxidant on sperm parameters and serum biochemical factors in mature adult mice following the treatment with dexamethasone.   Methods: In this experimental study, 24 mature adult male NMRI mice, were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=6), including control group, group received dexamethasone (dose, 7mg/kg/day), group received quercetin (dose, 50mg/kg/day) and group received Dexamethasone+quercetin. Seven days after the treatment and intraperitoneal injection, the serum samples were collected to measure the testosterone level, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde level. The left testis was used to measure daily sperm production (DSP) and left caudal epididymis was cut in the Ham’s F10 medium, then the released spermatozoa were used to analyze the sperm parameters and chromatin quality. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test at a significance level of p<0.05.   Results: In this experimental study, a significant decrease was observed in the mean sperm count, viability, normal morphology, motility, and daily sperm production, serum testosterone level and total antioxidant capacity and a significant increase was seen in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the dexamethasone group compared to the control group. In the dexamethasone+quercetin group, the mentioned parameters were compensated to the extent of the control level.   Conclusion: The results of this study showed that quercetin, as a strong antioxidant, could ameliorate the adverse effects of dexamethasone on sperm parameters and serum biochemical factors in mice.