Investigation of the Effects of Diplotaenia turcica Root Extract on Sperm Parameters and Antioxidant Markers in Methotrexate-Administered Rats

This experimental study was designed to evaluate the potential toxic effects of Methotrexate (MTX), an antineoplastic agent, on sperm parameters and antioxidant defense mechanisms in rats, as well as to assess the protective potential of Diplotaenia turcica, an endemic plant species from Turkey. A total of 21 male Wistar albino rats weighing 250–300 g was included in the study and randomly assigned to three groups of seven animals each. The control group received only physiological saline solution. The MTX group was administered a single intraperitoneal dose of 20 mg/kg MTX. In the MTX + Diplotaenia turcica root extract group, following MTX injection, the plant extract was given orally at 150 mg/kg daily throughout the study. At the end of the 7-day period, testicular tissues were collected under ketamine anesthesia. Sperm concentration and the percentage of abnormal sperm were assessed using samples obtained from the cauda epididymis, while portions of testicular tissue were used for biochemical analyses, including measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, glutathione (GSH) content, and catalase (CAT) activity. The results demonstrated that MTX administration significantly impaired sperm parameters, with a notable decrease in sperm concentration and an increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm. Additionally, MTX elevated MDA levels and reduced GSH content and CAT activity. Administration of Diplotaenia turcica root extract partially alleviated these adverse effects, contributing to the preservation of testicular tissue integrity. These findings underscore the biomedical potential of endemic plants in supporting reproductive health and protecting against toxic insults.