This study aimed to explore the effects of lycopene (LYC) on testicular and sperm damage induced by heat stress in male rats and its potential protective mechanism. Male rats were gavaged with lycopene, and their scrotums were immersed in a 42 °C water bath for 20 min. After the intervention, various indicators were observed. The results showed that lycopene reduced apoptotic responses and oxidative stress, promoted the expression of spermatogenesis genes, and improved sperm quality and the pathological morphology of seminiferous tubules. It also increased sperm count and Johnson score. In conclusion, lycopene can alleviate testicular and sperm damage caused by heat stress, and this protective mechanism may be achieved by regulating the JNK/p38MAPK signalling pathway. • Lycopene mitigates heat stress-induced damage to testes and sperm. • Lycopene inhibits apoptosis and oxidative stress responses triggered by heat stress. • Lycopene may protect testes and sperm via the JNK/P38 MAPK signalling pathway. • Lycopene may improve male infertility.
Wei et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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