Significance feature of saffron on testicular histomorphometry and expression profile of antioxidant enzymes in mice with induced multiple sclerosis: an in-vivo study.

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), is characterized by demyelination and oxidative stress. Given the established link between MS and impaired reproductive function, the potential protective role of Crocus sativus (saffron) against testicular damage warrants investigation. This study aimed to assess the effects of saffron on testicular histomorphology and the expression of antioxidant enzymes in a cuprizone-induced MS mouse model. Forty adult male mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6 per group) of the control group; saff group with an intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg saff for 35 days; Cpz + saff group with intraperitoneally injected with 50 mg/kg saff and feeding with 0.2% of Cpz daily, 35 days;and Cpz group feeding with 0.2% of Cpz daily for 35 days. Testicular tissue was collected for histological evaluation by stereological methods as well as analysis of the gene expression of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), Bcl-2, and Bax using real-time PCR. Enzymatic activity of SOD, GPx, and CAT was also assessed. Histopathological analysis revealed significant testicular atrophy and degenerative changes in the MS group, accompanied by reduced seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelial thickness. Saffron administration improved these parameters, preserved testicular architecture, and increased the number of spermatogenic cells. Moreover, saffron treatment significantly upregulated the mRNA expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT), increased Bcl-2 expression, and downregulated Bax expression. Saffron exhibits protective effects against MS-induced testicular damage by enhancing antioxidant defenses and modulating apoptosis-related gene expression. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic role of saffron in preserving male reproductive function in the context of MS.