BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Aging is accompanied with low concentration of testosterone hormone and apoptosis induction in the testis. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of different doses of curcumin as the active ingredient of Curcuma Longa Turmeric, on sperm quality and oxidative stress in mice D-galactose-induced aging model.
METHODS: 48 Balb/c mice (n=8) were randomly assigned to 6 groups: control, Sham, D-galactose and Curcumin 1 to 3 groups. 300 mg/kg of D-galactose was injected to D-galactose group. Curcumin 1 to 3 were injected D-galactose + 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg curcumin intraperitoneally. Then, the oxidative stress based on biochemical parameters and sperm analysis according to WHO guideline were evaluated on day 42 of the experiment.
FINDINGS: Mean sperm count in control group was (4.17±0.84) while it reduced after reception of 300 mg/kg
D-galactose (3.06±0.86). There was a significant increase in the sperm parameters in Curcumin group compared to the D-galactose group (p<0.05). A significant increase was observed in the level of thiol and superoxide dismutase enzyme in curcumin group 3, compared to the D-galactose group (p≤0.001). Significant decreases in catalase and malondialdehyde enzymes were observed in the D-galactose group, compared to the curcumin 1, curcumin 2 and curcumin 3 groups (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: Administration of curcumin for 2 weeks improved sperm parameters and decreased oxidative stress in testis of mice D-galactose-induced aging model.