Therapeutic Effect of Thymoquinone against Methotrexate-Induced Damage on Sperm Parameters in Mice

Fatemeh Shikhbahaei1, Ali Ghanbari1, Zahra Keshtmand2*

Background: Methotrexate drug is commonly used to treat cancer and caused reproductive damage. Thymoquinone, as a natural component of herbs has many health benefits shown in researches. The present study amid to investigate probable therapeutic effect of Thymoquinone against Methotrexate- induced damage on sperm parameters in mice. Material and methods: In this experimental study, 30 male mice (25-30 g) were divided into five groups of six in each. The mice were received normal saline (control group), Methotrexate (20 mg/kg), Methotrexate (20 mg/kg) + Thymoquinone (2, 10 and 20 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection. On the day after the last injection, the sperm parameters including motility, viability and count of sperms were assessed. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Turkey test. Results: Methotrexate alone leaded to a significant reduction in sperm parameters compared to the control group (P=0.00). In groups treated with Methotrexate and Thymoquinone, sperm parameters (motility, viability, count sperm) did not showed any significant differences with control group (P=0.00). Conclusion: Thymoquinone, as a potent antioxidant, could compensate for the toxicity induced by Methotrexate. These medical trend may be useful for diminish the side effects of Methotrexate on male reproductive system.