Probiotics modulate testicular redox status, DNA oxidation, the pentose phosphate pathway, and Fas/CD95 signaling in dexamethasone-treated rats

A continued global decline in semen quantity and quality has been reported in the last five decades, warranting scientific investigations to decipher the etiologies and mechanisms of identified causes in the race to develop effective management to halt the decline. The current investigation aims to further the existing understanding of the impact of dexamethasone (Dex) on testicular function and test the potential of probiotics (Pro) to mitigate such impacts. Twenty adult male Wister rats were divided into control (given 2 ml of normal saline), Dex (administered 4mg/Kg body weight), Pro (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum every other day), and Dex/Pro (treated with Dex and probiotics. The treatments lasted 21 consecutive days. Blood samples and the right testes were used for biochemical assays; the left was used for histological analysis; and the right epididymides were used for sperm parameter evaluation. Circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone dropped significantly (p