Effectiveness of Hesperidin on Methotrexate-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hesperidin on male reproductive system in rats to which methotrexate (MTX) was administered. In the study, 28 male Wistar albino rats at the age of 8 weeks and had 250-300 g of live weight were used. Four experimental groups were formed; Group 1 (n=7): The control group, only feed and water were given. Group 2 (n=7): MTX group, a single dose of 20 mg/kg of i.p. MTX was administered. Group 3 (n=7): Hesperidin group, 200 mg/kg of hesperidin was administered by gavage for 7 days. Group 4: MTX + hesperidin group (n=7): Following administration of a single dose of 20 mg/kg i.p. MTX, 200 mg/kg of Hesperidin was administered by oral gavage for 7 days. At the end of the experiment, rats were decapitated and biochemical, histopathological and spermatological parameters were examined. It was observed that in the MTX group, sperm motility and density, the enzymes CAT, GPx and SOD and GSH level decreased, TNF-alpha and IL-1 Beta, as well as MDA, levels were increased, regular structure of spermatogenic cells was impaired, and seminiferous tubules became necrotic and degenerative. It was determined that spermatological parameters improved and, necrotic and degenerative changes diminished by the administration of MTX+hesperidin. These outcomes indicated that hesperidin had a protective effect on destructive effects of MTX in rat testiclesv.