Melissa officinalis and Vitamin E as the Potential Therapeutic Candidates for Reproductive Toxicity Caused by Anti-cancer Drug, Cisplatin, in Male Rats

Background: High doses of Cisplatin (CP) can disrupt the normal functioning of various tissues such as ovaries and testis. In almost all the patients, spermiotoxicity of CP causes temporary or permanent azoospermia. Objective: In this study, the defensive effect of Melissa officinalis and vitamin E against testicular injuries caused by CP in male rats was evaluated. Method: Thirty six male rats were distributed into 6 groups. Group 1 was used as the negative control. In group 2, a single dose of CP (10 mg/kg) was administered on the first day. In groups 3 and 4, a single dose of CP (10 mg/kg) was administered on the first day and then treated with Melissa officinalis at 1000 mg/kg/day and vitamin E at 100 mg/kg/day for 7 consecutive days, respectively. Groups 5 and 6 were treated with Melissa officinalis and vitamin E for 7 consecutive days, respectively. After euthanasia, serum levels of testosterone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) were evaluated. Testes were removed and weighed. Spermatic analysis was done on the tail of the epididymis. Tissue lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes in testes were evaluated as well. Results: The results showed that Melissa officinalis and vitamin E increased serum levels of testosterone, LH and FSH, weight of testes and sperm motility, count and vitality and decreased sperm cell abnormalities in rats given CP. Conclusion: Our results are useful in designing a medication of Melissa officinalis that can protect the testes against CP-induced testicular damage and infertility in cancerous male patients.