The Effect of Combining Hydroalcoholic Extract of Black Seed and Honey on Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Factors and Spermatogenesis in Male Rats with Hypothyroidism

Background: Hypothyroidism causes various disorders in the reproductive system. The use of honey and black seed in traditional medicine is well-established. Objective: possible effects of hydroalcoholic extract of black seed and honey (Dosin) on pituitary-gonadal hormones, spermatogenesis, as well as the level of lipid peroxidation and the expression level of inflammatory and apoptosis genes was determined. Methods: Hypothyroidism was induced with methimazole, and the animals were then divided into four groups: control, hypothyroid, hypothyroid + Dosin 100, and hypothyroid + Dosin 200. Dosin was administered orally for 45 days and serum concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone and malondialdehyde were measured by ELISA. Sperm analysis was also performed. Histopathological examination was conducted and the expression levels of genes related to apoptosis (Bax, Bad and Bcl-2) and inflammation (IL6, TNFα and IL10) were investigated. Results: Sperm analysis showed that motility, morphology, and count indices decreased in the hypo-thyroidism group and significantly improved in the treatment groups (P<0.05). Histological studies showed that the length, diameter and volume of seminiferous tubules, basement membrane thickness, number of Leydig and Sertoli cells and testosterone levels increased in treatment groups (P<0.05). The mean serum levels of LH, FSH and malondialdehyde decreased in treatment groups significantly (P<0.05). Also, the expression of inflammatory genes and Bax and Bad genes decreased in treatment groups while Bcl2 increased (P<0.05). The expression of IL6 and TNFα genes decreased in the treat-ment groups and IL10 increased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion: Dosin probably improves testicular spermatogenesis and strengthens the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic thyroid systems by regulating pituitary-gonadal hormones