Effect of selenium on reproductive function and oxidative stress in male rats with cisplatin-induced testicular damage

Researchers at Selçuk University have found that selenium, a nutrient found in foods like nuts, seafood, and eggs, may help protect male reproductive health from damage caused by the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. The study, published in Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, points to the potential of antioxidants in reducing some of the side effects of cancer treatment.

Cisplatin is commonly used to treat cancers such as testicular, bladder, and ovarian cancer. While it is effective against cancer, it can also produce harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species. These molecules can damage healthy tissues, especially the testes, and interfere with hormone production and sperm development.

In the study, 38 male rats were divided into four groups: one control group, one given selenium alone, one given cisplatin alone, and one given both cisplatin and selenium. Researchers looked at testicular weight, hormone levels, and markers of oxidative stress.

The results showed that cisplatin alone caused significant reductions in testicular weight, lower hormone levels, and higher oxidative stress. But rats that received selenium along with cisplatin had better antioxidant protection, higher testosterone levels, and less severe hormone decreases.

“Selenium helped reduce damage in the testes and partially restored hormone levels affected by cisplatin,” said first author Dr. Gulsum Abusoglu. “This suggests that selenium may support the body’s natural defenses and protect reproductive organs during chemotherapy.”

Co-author Dr. Melek Altunkaya added, “Since oxidative stress is a key reason chemotherapy can harm the testes, antioxidants like selenium could be a helpful strategy to preserve fertility in men undergoing cancer treatment.”

The researchers caution that this study was done in rats and only tested one dose of selenium. More research is needed to see if these benefits apply to humans and to determine the safest and most effective doses.