The modulatory role of thymoquinone in boldenone undecylenate induced testicular tissue damage: oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and androgen receptor dysregulation expression in adult male rats

OBJECTIVES: , has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. To evaluate TQ's protective effects against Bold-induced testicular impairment. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (control, TQ 25 mg/kg orally, Bold 5 mg/kg intramuscularly, and Bold + TQ) for 8 weeks. Serum FSH, LH, and free testosterone, and testicular IL-1β, MCP-1, TNF-α, MDA, and NO were measured. Testes were examined histologically and for AR expression. RESULTS: Bold decreased FSH, LH, and testosterone, increased oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, caused histological damage, and reduced AR expression. TQ co-treatment significantly mitigated these effects. CONCLUSIONS: TQ protects against Bold-induced testicular injury by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting its potential as a preventive supplement.