histopathological analysis of testis: effects of astaxanthin treatment against nicotine toxicity

Background: nicotine is a toxic compound in the cigarette smoke and has destructive effects on various human organs. astaxanthin is a carotenoid with high antioxidant property. in this study, we investigated the protective effects of astaxanthin against nicotine-induced toxicity in mice testes. methods: forty-two inbred balb/c male mice were divided into six groups:group 1, received 1 ml normal saline daily; group 2, received nicotine (1.5mg/kg); group 3, received astaxanthin (25mg/kg); group 4, received astaxanthin (50mg/kg); group 5, received astaxanthin (25mg/kg) plus nicotine (1.5mg/kg); and group 6, received astaxanthin (50mg/kg) plus nicotine (1.5mg/kg). after collecting testes samples, microscopic slides were prepared at the school of veterinary medicine, university of mashhad, and the prepared slides were examined under light microscopy. results: the histological structures of the testes were normal in the control group and those receiving astaxanthin, regardless of nicotine (groups 3, 4, 5 & 6). however, group 2 that received only nicotine, showed transformed testicular histology with severe hemorrhage. conclusion: based on the results, nicotine caused harmful effects on the mice testes and astaxanthin appeared to protect the organs against the toxic effects of nicotine.