The Possible Ameliorative Effect of L-Carnitine against Chlorambucil Induced Testicular Oxidative Stress in Adult Male Albino Rat

Abstract Background The upsurge in the use of anticancer agents has generated questions about the safety of these substances on normal tissues. One of these drugs is chlorambucil, which is used in the treatment of CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia). Recent clinical observational studies claimed that the use of L- carnitine might have a protective effect against a wide variety of testicular damage that might progress to male infertility. Aim of the Work The aim of the current work was to demonstrate the possible protective capacity of L- carnitine on the oxidative histological changes of the testes induced by chlorambucil on adult male albino rat. Material and Methods Forty adult male albino rats were assigned into four groups for experiment for 21 successive days. In the control group (I) rats were not subjected to any treatment. In group (II), rats received daily oral L-carnitine in dose of 500 mg per kg per day. In group (III), rats received chlorambucil orally by gastric tube at a dose of 0.2 mg per kg per day dissolved in distilled water. In group (IV), rats were co-administered L-carnitine and chlorambucil. Animals were then sacrificed, and testes specimens were weighted then processed into paraffin blocks, sectioned, and stained with H&E and PAS. Specimens were also processed for semithin sections. Morphometric study and statistical analysis were done. Results The histomorphology of the testes sections from chlorambucil treated groups were strongly altered by rarefaction and vacuolization in the seminiferous epithelium, germ cell exfoliation and the presence of giant cells. Further study revealed a high percentage of damaged tubules, decreased germinal epithelial height, and absence of sperms in lumina. Histological examination of testis sections from L-carnitine protected group showed a considerable amelioration of damage and vacuolations. Moreover, many sections showed normal seminiferous tubules with intact spermatogenic cells. In addition to statistically significant increase in number of damaged tubules, statistically significant decrease in weight of testis and germinal epithelial height of seminiferous tubules were found in chlorambucil treated group compared to the control group. However, statistically significant decrease in number of damaged tubules in the L- carnitine protected group was found compared to chlorambucil group. Moreover, there was significant increase in weight of testis of the L- carnitine protected group compared to chlorambucil group. Conclusion It is concluded that treatment with antioxidants such as L-carnitine protects against various tissue injuries such as chlorambucil induced testicular damage.