Abstract

Objective: Infertility is one of the common problems in today’s modern world, it is estimated that 50 of infertility problems are related to men. Infertility in men has different causes. Oxidative stress and testis inflammation play an important role in sperm damage and infertility in men. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Lawsonia inermis (L. inermis) on the changes made on the testicular tissue and sperm following the administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: In this project, 40 mice were divided into four equal groups: (1) control: Tween 1 gavage, (2) Tween 1 + LPS (1 mg/kg; IP) and 3 and 4) L. inermis extract (300 and 500 mg/kg) along with LPS. After 7 days of the experimental period, the animals were anesthetized, and immediately, general sperm analysis was performed. Serum testosterone level, total antioxidant capacity and testicular histological changes were also investigated. Results: In examining the quality of sperms, it was observed that the number, motility and viability of sperms in the LPS group are significantly reduced compared to the sham group. Relative improvement in sperm parameters was observed in the LPS group treated with a dose of 500 mg/kg L. inermis extract. The percentage of inhibition of oxidants (DPPH) was significantly decreased in the LPS group compared to the sham group. L. inermis extract increased the level of DPPH in the LPS group. Serum testosterone level was significantly decreased in all LPS and treatment groups. Histological examination also showed abnormality in the germinal epithelium and a decrease in the number of sperm cells in the seminiferous tubules in the LPS group. In the group treated with 500 mg/kg L. inermis extract, the number of sperms increased, and the layers of germ cells became better organized. In other cell lines in the germinal epithelium and Leydig cells, no difference was observed between the groups. Conclusion: In general, the results of this study showed that LPS decreases sperm quality and increases testicular tissue damage, and L. inermis extract probably by reducing oxidants improves the number, motility and viability of sperms and testicular tissue damage. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Korean Society of Environmental Risk Assessment and Health Science.