Ensieh Zahmatkesh - Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, I. R. Iran
Gholamreza Najafi - Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, I. R. Iran
Vahid Nejati - Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, I. R. Iran
Reza Heidari - Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, I. R. Iran

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate protective effect of royal jelly on sperm parameters, testosterone level, and malondialdehyde (MDA) production in mice. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two adult male NMRI mice weighing 30±2 g were used. All the animals were divided into 4 groups. Control group: received saline 0.1 ml/mouse/day orally for 30 days. Royal Jelly group (RJ): received royal jelly at dose of 100 mg/kg daily for 30 days orally. Oxymetholone group: the received Oxymetholone (OX) at dose of 5 mg/kg daily for 30 days orally. Royal Jelly+Oxymetholone group: received royal jelly at dose of 100 mg/kg/day orally concomitant with OX administration. Sperm count, sperm motility, viability, maturity, and DNA integrity were analyzed. Furthermore, serum testosterone and MDA concentrations were determined. Results: In Oxymetholone group, sperm count, motility as well as testosterone concentration reduced significantly (p<0.05), while significant (p<0.05) increases in immature sperm, sperm with DNA damaged, and MDA concentration were announced in Oxymetholone group in comparison with control group and Royal Jelly+Oxymetholone group. RJ caused partially amelioration in all of the above- mentioned parameters in Royal Jelly+Oxymetholone group. Conclusion: In conclusion, RJ may be used in combination with OX to improve OX-induced oxidative stress and male infertility.

Mice, Oxymetholone, Royal jelly, Sperm