Protective Effects of Chitosan and Chitosan Oligosaccharide on Sodium Fluoride-Induced Testicular Damage in Male Rats: a Stereological and Histopathological Study

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential protective effects of Chitosan (C) and Chitosan Oligosaccharide (COS) on sodium fluoride (NaF) induced testicular damage. Forty-two male Wistar rats were separated into six groups (n=7). The Control group was given drinking water without Fluoride. NaF group was given NaF (100 mg/L) in their drinking water. NaF+C group was given NaF (100 mg/L) and C (250 mg/kg/day). NaF+COS group was given NaF (100 mg/L) and COS (250 mg/kg/day). C group was given C (250 mg/kg/day). COS group was given COS (250 mg/kg/day). Rats were given C and COS by gastric gavage. As a result, the total number of spermatogonia, Leydig cells, the total volume of the testis, the total volume of germinal epithelium, the total volume of seminiferous tubules, the total length of seminiferous tubules, and the height of germinal epithelium significantly decreased in the NaF group compared to the control group (P<0.05). These parameters significantly increased in the NaF + C and NaF + COS groups compared to the NaF group (P<0.05). Also, GSH and CAT significantly decreased, while MDA significantly increased in the NaF group. C and COS alleviate these changes. These findings indicate that NaF can cause testis damage. C and COS can have cytoprotective effects against testis damage.