Ameliorative Potential of Lycopene Against Finasteride-Induced Seminiferous Tubules Damage in Adult Rats: A Histological, Immunohistochemical, and Biochemical Study

Finasteride is frequently prescribed for the management of nodular prostatic hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia. However, it has a detrimental impact on spermatogenesis, leading to infertility. Lycopene is a carotenoid with strong antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. The present investigation evaluated the protective effect of lycopene against finasteride-induced testicular damage in adult rat testes. Four groups were created: control group, lycopene group (4 mg/kg/day), finasteride group (5 mg/kg/day), and lycopene-finasteride group. The agents were administered by oral gavage for 8 weeks. Finasteride significantly reduced the levels of dihydrotestosterone and testosterone. The level of superoxide dismutase markedly decreased, while malondialdehyde increased. The mRNA expression of caspase 3 was significantly elevated, whereas that of BCL2 was markedly diminished. Also the sperm parameters were significantly reduced. Moreover, finasteride induced histopathological changes in the form of irregular, degenerated seminiferous tubules. Vacuolation and desquamation of spermatogenic cells inside the lumen of tubules were evident. A marked rise in the immune expression of Bax was associated with a marked reduction in the expression of BCL2 and PCNA. Interestingly, few changes were detected in rats concomitantly administered lycopene and finasteride. The data suggest that lycopene provides substantial protection against finasteride-induced testicular damage.