Marsilea crenata extract modulates SOD1 expression in male rat testes via Nrf2 pathway

Purpose: To investigate the potential effect of M. crenata ethanol extract as source of antioxidants through SOD1 and Nrf2 expression levels in rat testes.Methods: Phytochemical analysis of M. crenata was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while antioxidant activity was determined by 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH radical) assay. This study used 24 male rats (n = 6), divided into 4 groups: control (normal rat without any treatment); PS1, PS2, and PS3 (normal rat which orally received ethanol extract of M. crenata leaves at a dose of 43.2, 86.4, and 129.6 mg/200 g body weight for 30 days, respectively). The expression levels of Nrf2 and SOD1 were analyzed by flow cytometry.Results: Quercetin and genistein were found in ethanol extract of M. crenata leaves with retention times of 8.812 and 22.309 min, respectively. M. crenata leaves extract was categorized as a strong antioxidant (IC50: 33.68 ppm). There was an increase in Nrf2 expression in rat testis in PS1 group. An upregulation of SOD1 expression was found in PS2 group.Conclusion: M. crenata extract is a rich natural source of antioxidants and phytoestrogen and thus may be useful in the management of testicular dysfunctions. More studies will be required to firmly establish this finding.

Automated summary

This study investigated the potential effect of M. crenata ethanol extract as antioxidants through the expression levels of SOD1 and Nrf2 in rat testes. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of quercetin and genistein in the extract, which exhibited strong antioxidant activity. The expression of Nrf2 and SOD1 in the testes of the rats was influenced by the extract.