Effects of Polygonum avicular extract on histological changes of mouse seminiferous tubules after electromagnetic field exposure

Abstract

Background: Electromagnetic field (EMF) has harmful effects on different tissues specially testis through different mechanisms such as increase free radicals. Therefore, application of antioxidants may reduce these abnormalities. Polygonum aviculare extract (PAe) as an herbal plant has antioxidant activities. Therefore, in the present study, its protective property against EMF was investigated in testis. Methods: 6 weeks old male Balb/c mice were divided to control (without EMF exposure), EMF (exposed to 3 mT EMF for 8 weeks), EMF+PAe (received 50 mg/kg PAe and 3mT EMF for 8 weeks) and PAe (received only 50 mg/kg PAe for 8 weeks) groups. After 8 weeks the animals were sacrificed, the testes were dissected out and fixed, and then stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E). The sections were subjected to morphometric and histological analysis. Results: Morphological studies showed that germinal epithelium of testes was negatively affected by EMF and the PAe reduced the harmful effects. Conclusion: As expected, EMF waves have destructive effects on testis morphology via producing free radicals that may cause male infertility. The herbal medicines such as polygonum aviculare extract have antioxidant activity and can reduce the harmful effects of EMF. Copyright © 2013 by Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.