Crocin prevention of anemia-induced changes in structural and functional parameters of mice testes

This study aimed to investigate the effect of phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia on testicular functions and protective role of crocin in mice. Forty-nine adult male mice were studied in 7 groups. The control mice received normal saline, three groups were treated with 2, 4, and 6 mg/100 g of phenylhydrazine, and three other groups received 20 mg/100 g of crocin with phenylhydrazine for 35 days. Then, the blood samples were taken to examine oxidative stress of serum, sperm samples were obtained for IVF testing, and testicle tissue samples were taken for morphological studies. Morphometric results indicated a significant reduction in TDI (tubular differentiation index), RI (repopulation index or number of type B spermatogonia), and SI (spermiogenesis index) factors, number of Sertoli and Leydig cells, and diameter of germinal epithelium in the groups receiving phenylhydrazine. Histochemical results indicated some changes in the metabolic cycle of the testicle and results of serum tests showed variations in the peroxidation of lipids and antioxidant capacity of serum. Also, hemolytic anemia significantly reduced testicular parameters and crocin minimized the resulting injuries. It can be concluded that crocin is able to neutralize the complications which are resulting from the hemolytic anemia relating to testicular parameters.