Histopathological and PCNA-Based Immunohistochemical Assessment of Pumpkin and Grape Seed Extracts in Protecting Male Rat Accessory Glands Under Chemotherapeutic Stress
Histopathological and PCNA-Based Immunohistochemical Assessment of Pumpkin and Grape Seed Extracts in Protecting Male Rat Accessory Glands Under Chemotherapeutic Stress
Ibrahim Elmaghraby1, Zeinab Said2, Marwa Darweish1, Doaa Galal El-Sahra3 and Ahmed Ibrahim El-Nemr4*
ABSTRACT
Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely prescribed anticancer agent with significant gonadotoxic side effects that compromise male reproductive function. Natural antioxidants may offer protection against such toxicity. This study investigated the potential protective effects of pumpkin seed extract (PSE) and grape seed extract (GSE) against CP-induced histological and functional alterations in male rat accessory sexual glands. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=6): control (saline), CP (20 mg/kg), PSE (600 mg/kg), GSE (300 mg/kg), CP+PSE, and CP+GSE. The extracts were administered orally from the first day of the experiment for 14 days, while CP was injected intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days starting from day 8. Histological examination, organ weight analysis, and Proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry were performed to assess treatment outcomes. CP administration induced severe histopathological alterations in accessory sex glands, characterized by vascular congestion, interstitial edema, epithelial vacuolation, and reduced luminal spermatozoa in the epididymis. The seminal vesicles and prostate exhibited marked atrophy, decreased secretory material, epithelial hyperplasia, and necrosis, accompanied by significant organ weight reduction and diminished PCNA immunoexpression. Pretreatment with either PSE or GSE significantly ameliorated these CP-induced alterations, restored organ weights, and enhanced PCNA immunoexpression. Both PSE and GSE demonstrate promising protective potential against CP-induced reproductive toxicity, suggesting their possible therapeutic application in preserving male reproductive function during chemotherapy.
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