Effects of Goji Berry Supplementation on Immune-Related and Antioxidant Gene Expression in the Male Rabbit Reproductive Tract

Goji berries (<i>Lycium barbarum</i>), rich in antioxidant and immunomodulatory compounds, have shown potential benefits for male reproductive health. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary Goji berry (GB) supplementation on immune-related and antioxidant gene expression in the male reproductive tract of rabbits. Eighteen 7-month-old New Zealand White rabbit bucks were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (<i>n</i> = 9) receiving a standard diet, and a Goji group (<i>n</i> = 9) receiving the same diet supplemented with 1% GB. After 60 days of nutritional adaptation and then 60 days of treatment, tissues from the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands were collected and analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Gene expression analysis focused on immune markers (TLR4, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNFα) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, CAT, and GPX). Significant modulation was observed only in the epididymis, where TLR4 and GPX were significantly downregulated in the Goji group (<i>p</i> = 0.0274 and <i>p</i> = 0.007, respectively), while IL-1β and TNFα showed a downward trend. No significant differences were found in the other tissues. These results suggest that Goji berry supplementation exerts tissue-specific effects, particularly in the epididymis, by modulating inflammation and oxidative stress. This supports its potential use as a natural nutraceutical strategy to enhance male fertility in rabbits.