the impact of n-acetylcysteine supplementation on spermatogenic recovery and biochemical markers in dexamethasone-administered mice

Background: dexamethasone (dex), a widely used synthetic glucocorticoid, is associated with adverse effects on male reproductive health. n-acetylcysteine (nac), as a glutathione precursor and potent antioxidant, helps neutralize free radicals, thereby preventing tissue damage and preserving sperm integrity. objectives: this study aimed to assess the effect of nac on the undesired effects of dex on the spermatogenesis indices and sperm parameters. methods: a total of 24 nmri mice were divided into 4 groups: control, dex (7 mg/kg/d, ip), nac (100 mg/kg/d, ip), and dex+nac. they received treatments for 7 days. testicular tissues were excised 24 hours after treatment completion for stereological evaluation and determination of mean daily sperm production (dsp). in addition, the mean numbers of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, leydig cells, and sertoli cells, along with spermatogenesis indices, sperm tail length (stl), motility, and malondialdehyde (mda) levels in serum and testicular tissues, and testosterone concentration were measured and analyzed. results: in the dex-treated group, significant declines were detected in sperm motility, spermatogenesis indices, dsp, and the counts of spermatocytes, spermatids, and leydig cells, along with a reduction in serum testosterone levels compared with the control (p<0.05). conversely, serum and testicular mda concentrations increased markedly following dex administration (p<0.05). co-treatment with nac normalized these parameters to levels comparable to the control group. conclusion: the findings of this study suggest that nac can mitigate the detrimental effects of dex on spermatogenesis indices and sperm quality parameters, likely through its antioxidant and regulatory effects.