Lophira lanceolata protects testicular and spermatological damages induced by cisplatin in male Wistar rats

Abstracts Background Chemotherapy is associated with male infertility. Cisplatin (CP), an antineoplastic agent has been successfully used for the treatment of diverse kinds of malignancies, however, the use of this effective agent could induce oxidative stress injury, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and testicular damage. Combined CP chemotherapy with plant extracts can diminish the toxicity and enhance the antitumor efficacy of the drug. The objective of the study was to determine the protective effect Lophira lanceolata leaf extract (LLLE) on CP-induced toxicity on male reproductive organs. Methods The study was carried out with 30 (n = 30) male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). The rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Rats in group 1 (Control) were administered distilled water per os. Rats in group 2 were administered 5 mg/kg of CP intraperitoneally (i.p). Rats in groups 3 and 4 were administered per os LLLE at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight and rats in groups 5 and 6 were administered 5 mg/kg body weight of CP + LLLE at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively. Results The results showed a significant decrease in the sperm parameters in the group treated with CP alone when compared with the control and there in the sperm parameters in the groups administered CP + LLLE. The body and organ weights of the rats were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the CP treated group relative to the control. However, there was an increase in the weight of the organs in the LLLE pretreated groups. The photomicrographs showed degenerative changes in the testicular tissues of the rats administered CP alone whereas the group pretreated with the LLLE showed amelioration induced by the CP. Our study revealed that CP treatment has deleterious effects on sperm parameters and testicular tissues and the accessory sex organs (Epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles) of the rats. Oral administration of LLLE at 200 and 400 mg/kg bodyweight for 26 days conferred protective effects against testicular damage induced by CP. Conclusion This study revealed that pretreatment with LLLE protected against CP-induced testicular toxicity.