Protective Role of Royal Jelly in Oxymetholone-induced Oxidative Injury in Mouse Testis

Background: An adverse effect of oxymetholone (OXM), an anabolic-androgenic steroid used as energetic medicine, is reproductive toxicity. Royal jelly (RJ) is an efficient antioxidant that has been used to treat reproductive problems. In this study, we investigated the effects of RJ on OXM-induced oxidative injuries in mouse testes. Methods: Male mice were divided into four groups. Two groups of mice were administered OXM (5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 28 days. One of these groups received RJ (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) concurrently. A vehicle-treated control group and a RJ control group were also included. Results: The OXM-treated group showed a significant decrease in the serum testosterone concentration and spermatogenic activities, along with many histological alterations. OXM treatment also caused a significant decrease in catalase activity with an increase in lipid peroxidation in the mouse testes. The above-noted parameters were restored to near normal levels by RJ co-administration. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that RJ protects against OXM-induced reproductive toxicities.