Work

Telmisartan protects male reproductive function by modulating biochemical, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and DNA integrity in cyclophosphamide-exposed rats

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is a common chemotherapy drug known to cause significant damage to testicular health. It induces oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, and DNA damage. Telmisartan blocks the angiotensin II type 1 receptor and has some activity on PPAR-γ, a receptor involved in cell regulation. It has been shown to have antioxidant and cell-protecting effects in other organs, but its potential to safeguard reproductive health has not been thoroughly investigated. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the protection exerted by telmisartan against CPA-induced testicular injury in rats, addressing its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Methods: 56 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into seven groups: control, telmisartan control, CPA induction, three telmisartan treatment groups (3, 5, and 7 mg/kg/day), and a melatonin positive control. Treatments have been given for 8 days; CPA (150 mg/kg, i.p.) on the second day. The serum reproductive hormones, sperm quality, oxidative stress factors, apoptotic genes (Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3), DNA fragmentation, and histopathology were assessed. Results: CPA inhibited testosterone, LH, and FSH, decreased sperm quality, increased oxidative stress, proapoptotic markers, and induced DNA fragmentation. Telmisartan improved all of these parameters by administration on a dose-dependent basis, and the treatment with higher doses returned hormone levels, sperm quality, antioxidant defenses and apoptotic balance back to near-normal levels. Telmisartan had similar protective actions to those of melatonin, given at high doses. Conclusion: Telmisartan protects from CPA-related testicular toxicity via anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions.

Source: Toxicology Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2026.102225

Authors: Ahmed Ageeb Kassid, Ahmed Mohammed Mahmood, Khalid Ali Obaid, Maha H. Philip Rahmani

Institution: Al-Bayan University

Language: English

Topic: Sperm and Testicular Function

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,530