Journal of Sports and Biomotor Sciences

Journal of Sports and Biomotor Sciences

The effect of exercise training on testicular structure and serum levels of oxidative stress in male rats under X-ray

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
mohammad parastesh 1
Zahra ansari 2
behzad Aria 3
majid mardanyan 4
1 Associate Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Arak University, Arak, Iran
2 MSC, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Arak University, Arak, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Arak University, Arak, Iran
10.22034/sbs.2025.467544.1110
Abstract
Introduction and Purpose: X-ray is the most common method of cancer treatment. It seems that the side effects caused by X-ray therapy make its use a challenge.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (healthy control, X-ray control, healthy training, and X-ray training). The X-ray groups received a total body dose of 4 Gray in a single exposure. The interval training groups underwent intense training for 8 weeks. To measure serum oxidative variables, MDA, TAC, and CAT enzyme levels were assessed using the ELISA method. Additionally, evaluations of testicula were conducted using a passage device and related formulas. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance in SPSS software at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: X-rays caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and a significant decrease in catalase (CAT) in the X-ray control group compared to the healthy control group (P≤0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA) in the X-ray groups combined with interval training showed a significant reduction compared to the X-ray control group (P≤0.05). Additionally, serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and catalase enzyme (CAT) in the X-ray group combined with interval training showed a significant increase compared to the X-ray control group (P≤0.05). Furthermore, X-rays caused a significant reduction in testicular volume, volume of seminiferous tubules, and diameter of seminiferous tubules in the X-ray control group compared to the healthy control group (P≤0.05). On the other hand, interval training resulted in a significant increase in the variables (testicular volume, volume of interstitial tubules, and diameter of seminiferous tubules) in the X-ray groups combined with interval training compared to the X-ray control group (P≤0.05).
Discussion and Conclusion: It seems that interval training can improve testicular structure and also reduce oxidative stress conditions in serum, thereby mitigating the testicular dysfunction induced by X-ray exposure. This improvement was particularly noted in testicular structure, especially in variables such as testicular volume, volume of interstitial tubules, and diameter of seminiferous tubules. 
Keywords
X-ray
High-intensity interval training
Malondialdehyde
Testicular stereology

Subjects

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Journal of Sports and Biomotor Sciences
Volume 16, Issue 32
March 2025
Pages 71-82

  • Receive Date 12 July 2024
  • Revise Date 11 January 2025
  • Accept Date 16 January 2025