Effects of Icariin on Histomorphometric Changes of Testis and Prostate Induced by Acrylamide in Mice

Background and Aims: This study aimed to observe the effect of Icariin on histomorphometric changes of testis and prostate induced by Acrylamide. Materials and Methods: Male mice were divided into four groups (n=8): A is the control group and does not get any treatment, B is the sham group and only received drinking water. C group received Acrylamide 10 mg/kg. D group received Acrylamide 15 mg/kg+1.5 mg/kg of Icariin. Histological changes in testis and prostate were examined using stereological methods. Results: Results showed decreases in testis weight of the group treated by (p≤0.01) and the group cured by Acrylamide +Icariin group (p≤0.05). The total volume of testis showed a reduction in the Acrylamide  group compared to other groups (p≤0.05). The total number of spermatogonia and spermatocyte cells in the Acrylamide group showed a decrease in comparison with the other groups (p≤0.05). The total number of spermatid cells in the Acrylamide group indicated a significant reduction in comparison with the control and sham group (p≤0.05). The total number of sertoli cells in the Acrylamide group showed a reduction when the number of leydig cells in the Acrylamide group showed a significant decrease in comparison with the control, sham, and Acrylamide+Icariin groups (p≤0.05). The mean Johnsen score was decreased in the Acrylamide treated group compared to control, sham, and Acrylamide+Icariin groups (p≤0.05). Testosterone concentration in the Acrylamide group showed a reduction in comparison with control, sham, and Acrylamide+Icariin groups (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Results demonstrated that Acrylamide altered the structure of the testis, prostate gland, and spermatogenesis stage, and Icariin treatment improved these histopathological changes.