Crocin Improves Damage Induced by Nicotine on A Number of Reproductive Parameters in Male Mice.
BACKGROUND
Crocin, a carotenoid isolated from Crocus sativus L. (saffron), is a pharmacologically active component of saffron. Nicotine consumption can decrease fertility in males through induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of crocin on reproductive parameter damages in male mice exposed to nicotine.


METHODS
In this experimental study, we divided 48 mice into 8 groups (n=6 per group): control (normal saline), nicotine (2.5 mg/kg), crocin (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) and crocin (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg)+nicotine (2.5 mg/kg). Mice received once daily intraperitoneal injections of crocin, nicotine and crocin+nicotine for 4 weeks. Sperm parameters (count, motility, and viability), testis weight, seminiferous tube diameters, testosterone, and serum nitric oxide levels were analyzed and compared.


RESULTS
Nicotine administration significantly decreased testosterone level; sperm count, viability, and motility; testis weight and seminiferous tubule diameters compared to the control group (P<0.05). However, increasing the dose of crocin in the crocin and crocin+nicotine groups significantly boosted sperm motility and viability; seminiferous tubule diameters; testis weight; and testosterone levels in all groups compared to the nicotine group (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Crocin improves nicotine-induced adverse effects on reproductive parameters in male mice.
Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Mohammad Reza
MR
Salahshoor
Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Mozafar
M
Khazaei
Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Cyrus
C
Jalili
Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Mona
M
Keivan
Crocin; Damage; Nicotine; Reproductive