Acutely applied melatonin prevents CCl4-induced testicular lesions in rats

the involvement of the oxidative capacity and arginine metabolism

Authors

  • Momir Dunjic Medical Faculty in Kosovska Mitrovica, University of Priština, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
  • Dejan Krstić Faculty of Environmental Safety, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
  • Jovan Živković Medical Faculty in Kosovska Mitrovica, University of Priština, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
  • Saša Cvetković Medical Faculty in Kosovska Mitrovica, University of Priština, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
  • Katarina Dunjić School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
  • Miloš Mirković Medical Faculty in Kosovska Mitrovica, University of Priština, Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
  • Goran Ranković Faculty of Sport and Physical Education Leposavić, University of Priština, Priština, Serbia
  • Branislava Ranković Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • Danka Sokolović Institute for Blood Transfusion in Niš, Serbia
  • Dusan Sokolovic Institute for Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Zorana Đinđića 81, Niš, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6586-6428

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/s2175-97902022e19745

Keywords:

Testis, Melatonin, Carbon tetrachloride, Oxidative damage, Arginine metabolism

Abstract

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) represents an organic chemical that causes reactive oxygen species derived organ disturbances including male infertility. Melatonin (MLT) is a neurohormone with strong antioxidant capacity, involved in numerous physiological processes. In this study we evaluated the capability of MLT, administered in a single dose of 50 mg/kg, to preserve the testicular tissue function after an acute administration of CCl4 to rats. The disturbance in testicular tissue and the effects of MLT after CCl4 exposure were estimated using biochemical parameters that enabled us to determine the tissue (anti)oxidant status and the intensity of arginine/nitric oxide metabolism. Also, the serum levels of testosterone and the histopathological analysis of tissue gave us a better insight into the occurring changes. A significant diminution in tissue antioxidant defences, arginase activity and serum testosterone levels, followed by the increased production of nitric oxide and extensive lipid and protein oxidative damage, was observed in the CCl4-treated group. The application of MLT after the CCl4 caused changes, clearly visible at both biochemical and histological level, which could be interpreted mainly as a consequence of general antioxidant system stimulation and a radical scavenger. On the other hand, the application of MLT exerted a limited action on the nitric oxide signalling pathway.

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Published

2022-11-23

Issue

Vol. 58 (2022)

Section

Original Article

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How to Cite

Acutely applied melatonin prevents CCl4-induced testicular lesions in rats: the involvement of the oxidative capacity and arginine metabolism. (2022). Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 58. https://doi.org/10.1590/s2175-97902022e19745

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