Ginger ameliorates reproductive toxicity of formaldehyde in male mice: Evidences for Bcl-2 and Bax

Abstract

Introduction: Root of dietary ginger considerably improves the activity of antioxidant enzymes in reproductive system and reduces the signs of cell damage in testis tissues. The present study conducted numerous sperm, hormonal, bio-chemical analysis and gene expression in order to evaluate the reproductive damages caused by exposure to formaldehyde (FA) and to investigate the ameliorative properties of co-administration of FA and Zingiber officinale (Ginger) in mice model. Methods: Forty-eight male NMRI mice were randomized into 6 groups of 8 animals each, including control group, control sham (received distilled water by gavage), FA group (10 mg/kg twice per day), intraperitoneally (i.p) and 3 FA groups (10 mg/kg i.p) + Ginger (500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg/d by gavage, respectively). Sperm parameters, sexual hormones, antioxidant activity and expression of Bax and Bcl-2 genes were analyzed after 35 days. Results: FA significantly diminished sperm parameters, sexual hormones and antioxidant enzymes (P < 0.05). Also, the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax genes had significant (P < 0.05) increase and decrease, respectively in FA group. Co-administration of Ginger extract significantly recovered the above parameters. Conclusion: Co-administration of Ginger extract ameliorates reproductive damages of FA by its androgenic, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. Hence, it might be beneficial in these patients.

Keywords: Formaldehyde, Zingiber officinale, Oxidative stress, Gene expression, Medicinal plants