Protective role of hesperidin against γ-radiation-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in rat testis

Background: Gamma (gamma) ray, an electromagnetic radiation, is occasionally accompanying the emission of an alpha or beta particle. Exposure to such radiation can cause cellular changes such as mutations, chromosome aberration and cellular damage which depend upon the total amount of energy, duration of exposure and the dose. Ionizing radiation can impair spermatogenesis and can cause mutations in germ cells. In general, type B spermatogonia are sensitive to this type of radiation. The current study was carried out to evaluate the protective role of hesperidin (H), as a polyphenolic compound, on rat testis injury induced by gamma-radiation. Methods: Rats were divided into groups including C group (control rats), R (irradiated) group (rats irradiated with gamma-radiation), Vehicle (V) group (rats administered with dimethylsulfoxide DMSO), H group (rats administered with H only), HR and RH groups (rats treated with H before and after exposure to gamma-radiation, respectively). Malondialdehyde (MDA: the end product of lipid peroxidation LPO) and xanthine oxidase (XO: it generates reactive oxygen species ROS) in testes homogenate as well as nitric oxide (NO: as ROS) in mitochondrial matrix were determined. The apoptotic markers including DNA-fragmentation (DNAF) in testes homogenate and calcium ions (Ca2+) in mitochondrial matrix were determined. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in testes homogenate, while reduced glutathione GSH in nuclear matrix were determined. Also histopathological examination for testes tissues through electron microscope was studied. Results: Exposure of rats to gamma-radiation (R group) increased the levels of MDA, NO, DNAF, Ca2+ and XO activity, while it decreased GSH level, SOD and CAT activities as compared to the C groups; gamma-radiation increased oxidative stress (OS), LPO, apoptosis and induced testes injuries. These results are in agreement with the histopathological examination. In contrast, treatment with H before or after exposure to gamma-radiation (HR and RH groups, respectively) decreased the levels of MDA, NO, DNAF and Ca2+ but increased GSH level and the activities of SOD, CAT and XO as compared to R group and this indicates that H decreased OS, LPO and apoptosis. Also, the histopathological results showed that H improved testis architecture and this is related to the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities of H contents. Protection is more effective when H is given before rather than after exposure. Finally, administration of H to healthy rats for a short period had no adverse affect on testes cells. Conclusion: Hesperidin showed antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities. It has a protective role against OS, injury and apoptosis induced by gamma-radiation in testes. Protection is more effective when H is given before rather than after exposure.