Ameliorative effect of morin on diclofenac-induced testicular toxicity in rats: An investigation into different signal pathways

Objective(s): Diclofenac (Diclo) is a therapeutic agent used in the treatment of pain and inflammatory diseases, but it is also toxic to the human body. Morin is a flavonoid found naturally in plants and has many biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anticancer activities. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Morin in Diclo-induced testicular toxicity. Materials and Methods: Morin (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) was administered orally for five days, while Diclo was administered intraperitoneally at 50 mg/kg on days 4 and 5. Biochemical, molecular, and histological methods were used to investigate oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress damage indicators in testicular tissue. Results: Morin treatment attenuated Diclo-induced oxidative stress damage by increasing anti-oxidant levels (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, Nrf-2, HO-1, and NQO1) and decreasing MDA levels, an indicator of lipid peroxidation. Morin reduced levels of the inflammatory mediators NF-kappa B protein. Increases in apoptotic Bax and Caspase-3 by Diclo were reduced by Morin, while decreased antiapoptotic Bcl-2 level was increased. Morin reduced Diclo-induced ER stress injury by decreasing ATF-6, PERK, IRE1, GRP-78, and CHOP levels. Also, Diclo decreased COX-2 levels. Conclusion: Overall, Morin may be an effective treatment of choice for testicular tissue damage associated with Diclo toxicity and may reduce the level of damage.

Journal

IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES

Year

2025

Volume

28

Issue

4

Pages

507-515

ISSN

2008-3866

eISSN

2008-3874

DOI

10.22038/ijbms.2025.79735.17270

WoS UID

WOS:001417648600013