The Effect of Curcumin on Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection in the Testes of BALB/c Mice

Purpose

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread parasitic infection; it affects about 30% of the global population, either through acute toxoplasmosis or its sequels. Our aim was to determine how curcumin affected testicular infection in mice with chronic toxoplasmosis using toxoplasma gondii strain ME49.

Methods

Forty male BALB/c mice (6–8 weeks old) weighing between 20 and 25 g were randomly divided into four groups. The control group, uninfected animals, received 1 cc of normal saline (vehicle) for 2 weeks. Toxo infection in the Toxo and Toxo + CUR groups continued for 4 weeks. After infection, animals in the Toxo and Toxo + CUR groups were treated orally for 2 weeks with 1 cc of normal saline (vehicle) or curcumin (CUR) (200 mg/kg) respectively [1]. Levels of oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression, sperm parameters, and histopathological changes were measured and evaluated [1]. Levels of oxidative stress indicators, antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression, sperm parameters and histopathological changes were measured and evaluated.

Results

Toxoplasma gondii infection decreased the activity and gene expression of testosterone and serum antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT), while elevating FSH and LH levels. Histological alterations, including maturational anomalies, intratubular necrosis, and inflammatory infiltration, were noted in mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Curcumin decreased FSH and LH levels while enhancing sperm parameters, histological alterations, and the activity and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT), as well as testosterone levels.

Conclusion

Curcumin treatment mitigated testicular infection induced by Toxoplasma gondii by enhancing antioxidant enzymes, improving sperm parameters, and decreasing pathological alterations in testicular tissue.