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IMPACTS OF QUERCETIN AND MERCAPTOTHION ON MALE REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS OF RATS

Quercetin is an herbal polyphenol with valuable antioxidant properties. Mercaptothion is categorized as organophosphates which can generate free radicals and induce male fertility disorders. This study was aimed to assess the impacts of Quercetin against destruction of male fertility parameters induced by Mercaptothion. 64 male rats were randomly assigned into 8 groups; control, and Mercaptothion (250 mg/kg) groups; Quercetin groups (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg) and Mercaptothion + Quercetin (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally (Mercaptothion) and orally (Quercetin) daily for 65 days. The sperm parameters, testis malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), testosterone level and height of germinal layer were evaluated. Expressions of p53, caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 were measured through real-time quantitative PCR. Values of all factors were reduced significantly except the MDA level (which increased) in Mercaptothion group compared to the control group (p<0.001). Studied criteria in groups of Quercetin and Quercetin + Mercaptothion in whole doses increased significantly except MDA level (which reduced) compared to the Mercaptothion group (p<0.001). Also, downregulated levels of p53, caspase-3, and Bax genes and unregulated levels of Bcl-2 gene expression were detected in control and the sixth treatment groups significantly in Quercetin group compared to the Mercaptothion group (p<0.001). No significant alterations were detected in Quercetin groups compared to the control group (p>0.05). Quercetin reduced toxic effects of Mercaptothion on male fertility parameters.