Impact of cherry juice on oxidative stress and fertility impairment in aged irradiated rats

This study targeted to conclude the effect of cherry juice and fractionated dose γ-irradiation on the fertility of elderly rats.

Male and female rats were assigned to five groups: young adult control, old adult control, old adult irradiated using 137Cs, source (0.3 Gy*3), old adult cherry juice and cherry irradiated group. Cherry juice was administered orally at the dose 5ml/kg b.w. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) were estimated in the serum of female rats. Serum testosterone (T), FSH, and testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory (STAR) gene expression were evaluated in male rats. Metallothionine (MT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) were estimated in the uterus and testes.

Co-treatments of old adult male and female rats with cherry juice and fractionated doses of γ-irradiation developed a significant decrease in MDA in uterus and testes, parallel with an increase in the level of uterus MT and testes GSH as compared with young rats. A significant increase in the levels of female E2, IGF-1, and male T along with a decrease in FSH in both sexes was observed. Additionally, STAR gene expression in male was up regulated.

Fractionated dose of gamma radiation (0.3 Gy*3) has no effect on tested reproductive hormones, while Cherry juice stimulates the secretion of E2, and T, and elevates GSH. Tart cherry juice can improve reproductive ability, especially for those undergoing radiotherapy Thus, cherry juice may be a potential candidate to ameliorate the effect of aging on reproductive ability.