Cynomorium Songaricum may protect against spermatogenic damage caused by cyclophosphamide in SD rats

Abstract Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of Cynomorium songaricum (CS) on the damage caused by cyclophosphamide (CP) in SD rats. Methods: Rats with CP-induced oligoasthenospermia were treated with different concentration of CS. Testicle weight, epididymal sperm count (ESC), sperm motility, and serum testosterone were analyzed, and expression levels of Thy1, Oct4, PLZF, C-kit, and GDNF were detected in testis tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to observe the effect of CS on the spermatogenic damage by CP. Results: Compared with the CP group, there were significant differences in testicle weight, ESC, and sperm motility (p<0.05) observed in all concentrations of CS and CP+VitE groups (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in serum testosterone…