Introduction: Para-nonylphenol (p-NP) is an important environmental pollutant that can affect the male reproductive system through endocrine disruption and inducing of oxidative stressence. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on testicular tissue and sperm parameters (count, motility, viability and morphology), sperm DNA and chromatin abnormalities against toxicity induced by p-NP in adult NMRI mice. Methods: Twenty-four adult male NMRI mice (32±3g) were divided into 4 groups (n=6): control, NSO (5ml/kg/day), p-NP (250mg/kg/day) and p-NP+NSO. After 34 days of oral treatment, the left testis was removed and used for histopathological observations. Left caudal epididymis was cut in the Ham’s F10 and released spermatozoa were utilized in order to analyze sperm motility, viability, number and morphology. Sperm chromatin quality was assessed by nuclear staining using acridine orange and aniline blue. The blood serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were also measured. The study data were analyzed utilizing one Way ANOVA and Tukey’s test, and P<0.05 was considered as the significant level. Results: A significant decrease was observed in the p-NP group in regard with the motility, viability, number, normal sperm morphology, diameter of seminiferous tubules and germinal epithelium thickness, whereas a significant increase was reported in regard with the diameter of the seminiferous tubules lumen and MDA levels compared to the control group. Above parameters were significantly compensated by Nigella sativa oil in p-NP+NSO group compared to Para-nonylphenol group. The application of Nigella sativa oil alone significantly increased the number, motility, normal morphology of the sperm and significantly decreased the MDA levels compared to the control group. Conclusion: The study results indicated that the Nigella sativa oil, as a potent antioxidant, could compensate for the toxicity induced by p-NP

Keywords: Chromatin, Nigella sativa oil, Para-nonylphenol, Sperm parameters, Testis

Full-Text [PDF 1199 kb]   (3815 Downloads)