Potential anti-toxic effect of d-ribose-l-cysteine supplement on the reproductive functions of male rats administered cyclophosphamide

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to access the protective effects of d-ribose-l-cysteine (DRLC) on cyclophosphamide (CPA) induced gonadal toxicity in male rats. METHODS: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups of eight rats each. Group I the control, received distilled water (10 ml/kg), Group II received a single dose of CPA 100 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally (i.p), Groups III and IV received a single dose of CPA at 100 mg/kg (i.p) and then were treated with DRLC at 200 mg/kg bodyweight (b.w) and 400 mg/kg b.w for 10 days, respectively. Rats in Groups V and VI received DRLC at 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w for 10 days, respectively. DRLC was administered orally. RESULTS: Results showed that CPA increased percentage of abnormal sperm cells and reduced body weight, sperm count, sperm motility, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels (p<0.05). CPA also induced oxidative stress as indicated by the increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content and reduced activities of the oxidative enzymes measured (p<0.05). Liver enzymes were elevated while the blood cells production was decreased in the rats administered CPA. DRLC supplementation enhanced the antioxidant defence system as indicated in the reduced MDA levels and increased activities of the antioxidant enzymes when compared with CPA (p<0.05). Bodyweight, sperm count, sperm motility, FSH, and testosterone levels were increased in the CPA + DRLC II group compared with CPA (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this present study showed that DRLC has a potential protective effect on CPA-induced gonadotoxicity.