The current study investigated the possible protective effects of Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10 ) on rat model of high-fat diet (HFD) induced testicular dysfunction. Thirty male Wistar rats were allocated randomly into three groups: control, HFD, HFD + Co Q10 (75 mg/kg/day) groups. Animals were sacrificed after 3 months and epididymal sperm suspension, blood, and testes were collected for further analysis. In comparison to the untreated HFD group, the Co Q10 treated group revealed significantly increased serum testosterone, adiponectin levels, and decreased LH, FSH, and leptin levels. In addition, HFD resulted in significant increase in testicular oxidative stress (increased MDA, iNOS, NO, XO & decreased catalase, SOD, GSH) and inflammation (increased pJNK/JNK, pERK/ERK, and p-p38MAPK/MAPK), while Co Q10 was effective to ameliorate these changes. In addition, Co Q10 significantly increased sperm count, motility and viability that were markedly deteriorated by HFD. Regarding testicular ultrastructure, seminiferous tubular diameter and epithelium height were reduced in HFD group and Co Q10 significantly improved these testicular changes. Finally, a significant reduction in spermatogenic cell proliferation was detected by PCNA fluorescent expression and Co Q10 significantly reversed this change. In summary, our results indicated that Co Q10 could suppress testicular dysfunction produced by HFD. This protective effect could be attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and to its effect on adipokines and spermatogenic cell proliferation. So, Co Q10 may be a promising food supplement to protect against testicular dysfunction induced by HFD.
Keywords: MAPK/ERK/JNK; adipokines; coenzyme Q10; high fat diet; testicular dysfunction.
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