PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF L-CARNITINE AND VITAMIN E ON CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE INDUCED TOXICITY ON RAT TESTES

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) was a chemotherapeutic agent, known to cause male reproductive toxicity. Some antioxidant agents were found protective against CP toxicity e.g L-Carnitine and Vitamin E. L-carnitine (LC) was commonly used in treatment of male infertility. While Vitamin E (Vit E) was an essential nutrient for reproduction.  Aim of the work: This study was designed to assess, by anatomical and histological examination, the possible protective effects of LC and Vit E on the testes of CP treated albino rats. Material and Methods: Rats were categorized into: Control group I (GP Ia receiving intraperitoneal saline, gp Ib and gp Ic receiving LC and Vit respectively), experimental group II receives intraperitoneal CP, and Protected group III (GP IIIa, GP IIIb receiving CP with LC and Vit E respectively). After two weeks, the rats were sacrificed, testes were dissected, and examined grossly then histologically using light and Electron microscopy.  Results: GP II showed a significant reduction in the mean value of the testicular weight and dimensions in comparison with GP I. The mean value for GP IIIa and IIIB was significantly increased in comparison with GP II. Histological changes in GP II revealed intracellular vacuolization and sloughing of the spermatogonial cells. Decreased number of sperms was encountered. Both GP IIIa and GP IIIB showed improvement. However, Gp IIIa was better than Gp IIIb. Conclusion: LC and Vit E could be used as protective agents against CP-induced reproductive toxicity, but the protective effect of LC was better than Vit E.