Cytotoxic and antioxidant effect of chrysin on neonate mouse spermatogenic stem cells

Background: So far, many plants have been used for the treatment of infertility. Several studies have revealed that chrysin (as an active metabolite) improves animals' reproduction. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of chrysin on Balb/C mice spermatogenic stem cells. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study Balb/C neonate spermatogonia stem cells cultured in DMEM-F12 medium were treated with various concentrations of chrysin (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40 µg/ml) for 6 and 12 days. Then the cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT, Akredin orange/Propodium Idid, DAPI and antioxidant concentration DCF-DA tests. Results: Chrysin showed no remarkable cytoxicity in concentrations less than 5 µg/ml. While, after 6 days the viability of cells treated with chrysin 10, 20 and 40 µg/ml was decreased to 30, 45 and 56 % (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectiely); after 12 days the viability of cells was decreased to 44, 56 and 65 % (P<0.05, P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectiely). DCFDA results revealed a 80 % antioxidant capacity of chrysin in 5 and 2.5µg/ml concentrations. Conclusion: Lower concentrations of chrysin has protective effect on Balb/C mice spermatogenic through improving cell viability, decreasing cells apoptosis and inhibiting free radicals