The effect of Naringenin on the Testicular Tissue Activity in Mice
Keywords:
naringenin, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione, cholesterol, testes, miceAbstract
Naringenin is a flavonoid found mainly in grapefruits as well as other fruits or vegetables. Because of its composition it has significant therapeutic effects and is therefore used to treat various diseases as an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agent. This molecule is still not explored enough which is why it has become a frequent research object worldwide. This report aims to study the possible in vitro effects of naringenin on the murine testicular tissue, specifically on the production of testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone and cholesterol. Testicular fragments were collected from 10 male mice and cultured with the addition of naringenin at concentrations of 0 (control), 1, 10 and 100 µmol/L for 24 hours. The concentration of steroid hormones in the culture medium was analyzed by the ELISA method while the cholesterol level was determined by the CHOD-PAP test. A slight increase in the testosterone production was observed following exposure to all naringenin concentrations, with the highest increase of testosterone synthesis in case of 10 µmol/L naringenin. 10 µmol/L naringenin (P<0.05) also had a significant effect on the androstenedione production. Cholesterol levels increased with increasing concentrations of naringenin, with the most significant effects being recorded in case of 100 µmol/L naringenin. Our results indicate that naringenin has beneficial effects on the production of steroid hormones as well as on the synthesis of their precursor-cholesterol. Therefore, naringenin has the potential to be used in the management of male reproductive dysfunction.
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