In vitro antiapoptotic effects of the calligonum extract on spermatogonial stem cells

Background: Spermatogonial stem cells are the foundation of spermatogenesis and male fertility. So, their maintenance and culture are very important. Objective: In this study, we assessed protective effects of the Calligonum on in vitro viability and apoptotic and antiapoptotic genes expression of spermatogonial stem cells. Materials and Methods: After 24 hr of culture, the spermatogonial stem cells were treated with 30 mu M dose of H2O2 and then 10 mu g/ml the Calligonum extract was added for 3 wks. Viability was assessed by Trypan blue, apoptosis using PI-Annexin and finally Bax, Bcl-2 and P53 genes expression by Real-Time Polymerase chain reaction. R Results: After 3 wk of treatment, viability in the Calligonum extract+H2O2 group was significantly higher than H2O2 group alone (p=0.001). In the Calligonum extract+H2O2 group, apoptosis, as well as expression of apoptotic genes (Bax and P53), was significantly lower than the group treated with H2O2 alone. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that 30 mu M H2O2 increased apoptosis but decreased viability in spermatogonial stem cells. Calligonum has antioxidant properties that can reduce apoptosis, Bax and P53 expression and increase the viability and Bcl-2 expression.