Abstract

Background:
Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug that is used despite having several toxic effects. Spirulina is commonly consumed as a food supplement because of its antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and other beneficial effects.

Aim:
The present study was conducted to investigate the adverse effects of MTX on male sex hormones and subsequently its effects on oxidant/antioxidant status. The ameliorative effects of spirulina against such MTX-induced adverse effects were also evaluated.

Methods:
Forty male rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, spirulina, MTX, and MTX + spirulina groups. The levels of testosterone (free and total), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin hormone were evaluated as biochemical markers of MTX-induced infertility. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels were assayed in liver tissue as oxidative stress markers.

Results:
The results obtained from the current study showed that Spirulina improved the adverse effects of MTX on testosterone (free and total), LH, FSH, MDA, and TAC.

Conclusions:
The current study indicated that spirulina can be used to ameliorate MTX-induced adverse effects on male infertility and oxidative stress.

Key words: Methotrexate, Spirulina, Infertility, Oxidative stress