Quercetin guards against nicotine-induced testicular changes in albino rats via LC3, P62 and Nrf2 regulation

Background: Cigarette smoking is hazardous to cells. Nicotine disturbs cell division and destroys the testes. It decreases testicular antioxidants and raises testicular lipid peroxidation. Quercetin has a powerful antioxidant property by scavenging reactive oxygen species. Purpose: To investigate the possible ameliorating effect of quercetin on the nicotine-induced testicular changes in rats. Study design: Twenty-four adult male rats were divided randomly into 3 groups of 8 rats each; Negative control: Were injected subcutaneously (SC) by distilled water, nicotine traeted group: Were injected SC by nicotine (6mg/kg/d) for 4 weeks, and nicotine + quercetin group: Were injected SC by nicotine (6mg/kg/d) and received quercetin (302 mg/kg/day) orally for 4 weeks. Methods: Testes were stained by H & E to check the alterations in the testicular architecture. Immunohistochemical detection of oxidative stress marker (Nrf2) and autophagy markers (P62 and LC3) were performed. Also, immunohistochemical quantitation of Nrf2, P62 and LC3 was done. Results: Distorted seminiferous tubules with degenerated and vacuolated germ cells were found in nicotine group. The testicular architecture was restored after quercetin administration. The area % of positive P62 and LC3 immune reaction was statistically larger in nicotine treated group and it reduced after coadministration of quercetin. On contrary, Nrf2 area % of positive reaction statistically reduced in nicotine treated group and it increased in nicotine + quercetin group. Conclusion: Quercetin has the ability to reverse nicotine-induced testicular damage via modulation of Nrf2 as well as autophagic markers (P62 and LC3). Also, coadministration of quercetin markedly normalized the testicular histological architecture.