Does ramelteon have an ameliorative effect in MTX-induced testicular injury?

Year 2023, Volume: 6 Issue: 5, 1034 - 1039, 28.09.2023

Dilek Ulusoy Karatopuk , Nureddin Atasoy , Duygu Kumbul Doğuç

https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1344540

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of Ramelteon (RMT), which exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties, against testicular damage induced by Methotrexate (MTX), which is widely used in the treatment of various diseases, including chemotherapy.
Methods: 32 Wistar albino rats were equally divided into four groups: Control (group I), MTX (group II), MTX+RMT (group III) and RMT (group IV). Histologic evaluation was performed using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemical analysis using TNF-alpha and Cas-3, and biochemical evaluation using TAS, TOS and OSI.
Results: Histologic analysis using H&E staining revealed a significant difference between group I and groups II and III (p<0.05), while no significant difference was observed between group IV and the other groups (p>0.05). While normal histologic structures were observed in groups I and IV, histopathologic findings were noted in groups II and III. Immunohistochemical evaluation of TNF-alpha and Cas-3 showed a significant difference between group I and groups II and III (p<0.05), while no significant difference was observed between group IV and other groups (p>0.05). The highest immunostaining intensity was observed in group II. Biochemical evaluation revealed statistically significant differences in TAS, TOS and OSI parameters reflecting oxidative stress differences between the groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties of RMT demonstrated its protective effect against MTX-induced testicular injury in rats. Histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses underline the potential role of RMT as a protective agent in MTX-induced testicular injury. This research aims to contribute to the understanding of potential applications to reduce the adverse effects of MTX therapy on reproductive health.

Keywords

Methotrexate, ramelteon, rat, testicular injury

Supporting Institution

Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Süleyman Demirel University, Turkey

Project Number

TSG-20202-8134

Thanks

We would like to thank the support of the staff of the Experimental Animals and Medical Research Application and Research Center of Süleyman Demirel University.

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