Selenium mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity on sperm quality in mice: An experimental study

Abstract

Abstract Background Cyclophosphamide (CP), a commonly used chemotherapy drug, induces oxidative stress and damages testicular tissue, leading to impaired spermatogenesis. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effects of selenium, a potent antioxidant, on sperm parameters in adult mice treated with CP. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, 32 adult male NMRI mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8/each): A) control, B) CP (100 mg/kg/wk, intraperitoneally), C) selenium (1 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally), and D) CP + selenium. After 35 days of treatment, spermatozoa were collected from the caudal epididymis. Basic sperm parameters (motility, count, viability, morphology, and tail length), and functional parameters (plasma membrane integrity, nuclear maturity, and DNA damage) were evaluated. Daily sperm production was evaluated using the left testis. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were also measured. Results In the CP group, sperm motility, count, viability, membrane integrity, normal morphology, tail length (p < 0.001), nuclear maturity (p < 0.05), DNA integrity, daily sperm production (p < 0.001), and TAC (p < 0.001) were significantly reduced, while MDA levels increased (p < 0.001) vs. controls. In the CP + selenium group, motility (p < 0.001), count (p < 0.01), viability (p < 0.001), membrane integrity, normal morphology (p < 0.01), tail length (p < 0.05), DNA integrity, daily sperm production (p < 0.001), and TAC (p < 0.05) significantly improved, with reduced MDA levels (p < 0.001) compared to CP group. Conclusion CP impaired sperm quality and antioxidant status through oxidative stress in mice, whereas selenium co-administration mitigated these adverse effects by improving sperm parameters, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and reducing lipid peroxidation, indicating protection against CP-induced reproductive toxicity.