The effect of vitamin C on mice hemolytic anemia induced by phenylhydrazine: an animal model study using histological changes in testis, pre-implantation embryo development, and biochemical changes

Objective(s): The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of vitamin C (Vit C) on hemolytic anemia induced by phenylhydrazine (PHZ). Materials and Methods: Twenty-four healthy male mice were divided into four groups, randomly: Control group (0.1 ml/day, normal slaine, IP), PHZ group that received only PHZ 8 mg/100 g/48 hr, IP, PHZ+Vit C group that received PHZ 8 mg/100 g/48 hr, IP and Vit C 100 mg/kg BW-1/day by gavage and Vit C group that received 100 mg/kg BW-1/day Vit C by gavage. After 35 days, germinal cells, RNA damage, sperm parameters, testis malondialdehyde (MDA) content, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), pre-implantation embryo development and mRNA levels of cyclin D1 and c-myc in two-cell, and morula and blastocyst stages were assessed. Results: Vit C reduced the RNA damage, enhanced sperm quality, promoted pre-implantation embryo development and improved testicular antioxidant and endocrine status (P<0.05). Vit C reduced cyclin D1 expression and up-regulated c-myc mRNA level in two-cell, morula, and blastocyst embryonic cells. Conclusion: Vit C enhanced the fertilizing potential by ameliorating the endocrine status, antioxidant capacity, and sperm quality. Finally, the cyclin D1 and c-myc gene expressions were regulated in PHZ+Vit C treated group that promoted the embryo development.