Evaluation of Expression of Cytochrome P450 Aromatase and Inflammatory, Oxidative, and Apoptotic Markers in Testicular Tissue of Obese Rats (Pre)Treated with Garlic Powder

Abstract

Today, adolescent obesity is recognized as an epidemic and a cause of reproductive disorders. Decreased testosterone levels occur due to functional defects in the hypothalamus-pituitary axis, excessive activity of cytochrome P450 aromatase enzyme, and testicular dysfunction in these people. Oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis are also the main mechanisms of testicular damage during obesity. The use of herbal products such as garlic can improve this disorder due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of pretreatment and treatment of garlic powder on the expression of cytochrome P450 aromatase enzyme and the expression of genes involved in testosterone synthesis, inflammation, oxidative damage, apoptosis in testicular tissue, and metabolic function of liver tissue in young male obese rats. Eighty male Wistar rats were divided into the controlled and treated groups. Serum levels of lipid, glucose, and insulin as metabolic factors were measured along with the testicular antioxidant and inflammation markers. The expression of Bcl2, Bax, and caspase-3 along with NF-κB, SREBP-1c, CPT-1beta, Nrf-2, CD36, FAS, CYP19A1, P450scc, StAR, 17βHSD, PPARα, and aromatase (CYP19, P450arom) was also measured. Testicular histological evaluation and spermatogenic process was also performed. The results showed that oxidative, inflammatory, and metabolic factors significantly increased in obese rats. The testicular expression of aromatase, NF-κB, Bax, and caspase 3 increased and Nrf2 expression decreased in obese rats, while (pre) treatment with garlic powder significantly decreased the expression of these genes in obese rats. These results were also confirmed by the findings of the histological evaluation and sperm analysis. It can be concluded that garlic powder could improve reproductive dysfunction in obese rats.

Therapeutic effects of garlic (Allium sativum) on female reproductive system: A systematic review

“…Garlic can also increase fertility possibly due to its antioxidant properties. However, clinical trials are needed to investigate these mechanisms in detail [ 86 ].…”

Saccharomyces cerevisiae - Fermented Garlic Attenuates Gamma-irradiation Induced Brain and Liver Toxicity Via Regulation of the NF-κB and STAT3 Signaling Pathway

“…SAC suppresses the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs); reduced NO level, and regulate NF-κB and its signalling pathway. In addition, SAC demonstrated neuro-protective properties (Balasenthil et al, 2000;Yang et al, 2018;Li et al, 2023). The garlic constituent; diallyl trisulfide (DATS) suppressed NF-κB and STAT3 expressions in mice colon, via modulating their cysteine residue (Lee et al, 2013;Li et al, 2023).…”

“…In addition, SAC demonstrated neuro-protective properties (Balasenthil et al, 2000;Yang et al, 2018;Li et al, 2023). The garlic constituent; diallyl trisulfide (DATS) suppressed NF-κB and STAT3 expressions in mice colon, via modulating their cysteine residue (Lee et al, 2013;Li et al, 2023). The garlic extract revealed anti-apoptotic activity via reduction of caspase 3 in rats' heart (Islam et al, 2020).…”

EF-24, a Curcumin Analogue, Could Inhibit HSP90 and Induce Apoptosis-Mediated by Autophagy/Inflammation/Oxidative Stress in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cell Lines

“…Interestingly, recently the use of herbs and their derivatives has been able to play a significant role in the improvement of some diseases such as cancer. 14,20–23…”

“…Interestingly, recently the use of herbs and their derivatives has been able to play a significant role in the improvement of some diseases such as cancer. 14,[20][21][22][23] Curcumin, a constituent of Curcuma longa, has recently been considered by researchers due to its extensive pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer. However, due to low stability and low bioavailability, it has very low efficacy.…”