L-CARNITINE AND CO-ENZYME Q10 AMELIORATE CIPROFLOXACIN-INDUCED REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY IN MALE RATS: REGULATION OF INFLAMMATION AND EXPRESSION OF STEROIDOGENIC GENES

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate Ciprofloxacin (CPX) reproductive toxicity in 30 days and the protective effect of L-Carnitine (LC) and /or Co- Enzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) against reproductive toxicity induced by CPX and the molecular changes that related to their effects. Animals were divided into 5 groups (12 rats/group). Group 1, was kept as a control. Group 2, was administered CPX (90 mg/kg/day, p.o) and kept as a positive control. Group 3, was co-administered CPX with LC (94.5 mg/kg/day p.o). Group 4, was co-administered CPX with Co-Q10 (8.1 mg/kg/day p.o). Group 5, was concurrently administered CPX with Co-Q10 + LC orally for 30 days. After thirty days, body and genital sex organ weights (testes, prostate glands, and seminal vesicles) and semen analysis (sperm count, motility and morphology), were assayed. Gene expression of StAR, SR-B1, and 3$\beta$HSD were assayed by using real-time PCR. Hormonal assay (Testosterone, LH, and FSH), biomarkers of inflammatory mediators (TNF-$\alpha $) and anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10) were assayed by using ELISA. MDA, GSH, and TAC were investigated by a spectrophotometer. Results: The thirty-day administration of CPX to adult male rats promotes reproductive toxicity in rats by generating oxidative damage. It induces an adverse effect on reproductive organs weights, sperm parameters, reduction of gene coordination (StAR, SR-B1, and 3 $\beta$HSD) and reproductive hormones. Also, increases TNF-$\alpha $ and decreases IL-10 Notably, LC and Co-Q10 co-administration overcame all of these side effects. Conclusion: concurrent administration of both LC and Co-Q10 with CPX ameliorating reproductive toxicity induced by CPX in thirty days administration.