OBJECTIVETo study the effect of resveratrol on spermatogenesis after 2,5-hexanedione(2,5-HD)-induced testicular injury.

METHODSForty male SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. Group A were normally raised and Group B, C, D and E exposed to 1% 2,5-HD for 5 weeks, followed by administration of resveratrol of different concentrations (20, 40 and 80 mg/[ kg x d], respectively) to Group C, D and E for 9 weeks. Then the rats were killed, their physical signs, body weight gain and testis weight were assessed, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis used to investigate the numbers and diameters of seminiferous tubules and the expression of c-kit protein of spermatogenic cell membrane.

RESULTSThe rats exposed to 2,5-HD showed weak body, lax skin, dim color pattern, tardy body weight gain, and emaciated testis. Immunohistochemistry revealed emaciated seminiferous tubules, stagnant obsolete spermatogonia and negative expression of c-kit protein. After resveratrol administration, the 2,5-HD-induced physical signs were improved and close to normal. Compared with those of the 2,5-HD injured group, the body weight and testis weight of the resveratrol treated group increased obviously (P < 0.01); and the aliquots of the seminiferous epithelia began to differentiate and the spermatogenesis and expression of c-kit protein partly resumed (P < 0.01). With increasing dose of resveratrol, the diameters and numbers of seminiferous tubules (P < 0.01) and the expression levels of c-kit protein (P < 0.01) were gradually and significantly restored almost to normal.

CONCLUSIONResveratrol could promote the recovery of spermatogenesis after 2,5-HD-induced testicular injury.