Effects of licorice hydroalcoholic extract and glyceric acid on sex hormones, malondialdehyde, and testicular histomorphometry in NMRI adult male rats exposed to cyclophosphamide

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of licorice hydroalcoholic extract (LHE) and Glyceric acid (GA) on sex hormones, Malondialdehyde (MDA), and testicular histomorphometry in NMRI adult male rats exposed to cyclophosphamide (CP). Animals were divided into 8 groups, including (1) control: normal saline, (2) CP: 100 mg/kg, (3) LHE: 150 mg/kg, (4) GA: 0.5 mg/kg, (5) CP + 50 mg/kg LHE, (6) CP + 0.5 mg/kg GA, (7) CP + 150 mg/kg LHE, and (8) CP + 250 mg/kg LHE. Changes in testicular tissue were evaluated through Hematoxylin–Eosin staining. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and MDA concentrations were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Histological findings showed the integrity of the seminiferous tubules and regular basement membrane in groups 1, 3, and 4. In group 2, the epithelium had an irregular shape with atrophy, edema, and immense, extensive inflammation. Group 5 had decreased tubular diameter. In group 6, edema with vacuolization of the interstitial tissue was observed. Slight spermatogenesis and Leydig cells with pyknotic nuclei were evident in groups 7 and 8. Group 2 had significantly decreased serum levels of LH and FSH compared to group 1. Groups 5, 6, 7, and 8 showed no significant changes in the LH level. Although the administration of 50 mg/kg LHE (group 5) increased the level of FSH compared to group 2, other doses, 150 mg/kg (group 7) and 250 mg/kg (group 8), had no significant difference from group 2. Furthermore, the FSH level increased in group 6 compared to group 2. The MDA level in group 2 was significantly increased compared to group 1 and significantly decreased compared to group 5. Results demonstrate that administration of low doses of LHE (compared to high doses) and GA is highly effective. They can improve histological characteristics, sex hormones (LH/FSH), and the MDA level, as well as mitigate the side effects of CP. Eventually, it is essential to note that LHE effects are more prominent than GA effects.