Protective effect of gallic acid on apoptosis of sperm and in vitro fertilization in adult male mice treated with cyclophosphamide

Background Alteration of free radicals (reactive oxygen species) causes mammals' sperm damage. Gallic acid (GA) is known as an antioxidant which is effective against oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of GA on the sperm apoptosis and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in adult male mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CP). Materials and Methods Following a pilot study to find the dose responses of GA, 40 adult male naval medical research institute (NMRI) mice (32 +/- 3 g) were divided into five groups (n = 8): control, sham (normal saline, NS: 0.2 mL per day), CP (15 mg kg(-1) per week; intraperitoneal, IP), GA (12.5 mg kg(-1) per day; IP), and GA+CP. After the treatment, sperm parameters were analyzed. The apoptosis of sperm was measured by Annexin-PI staining method followed by flow cytometry detection. Fertility was assessed by IVF method among the groups. Results The difference in sperm parameter and fertility rate between the control (% 80.05 +/- 6.53) and cyclophosphomide groups (% 51.82 +/- 10.78) was significant (P < .001) but GA plus CP (% 78.16 +/- 5.71) restored the fertilization rate (P < .001). Also, a remarkable increase was noted regarding apoptotic sperm in CP group vs the control group. The comparison in the five groups shows that GA cotreatment was significantly effective in reducing the apoptosis rate caused by cyclophosphamide (P < .05). Conclusion It was ultimately attained that GA has a potent antioxidant effect which could inhibit the detrimental effect of CP on the apoptosis and fertility rate of sperm in the mouse.