Evaluation of reproductive toxicity in male rats treated with novel synthesized ruthenium(II) and gold(I)-NHC complexes

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to determine the reproductive toxicity in rat induced by ruthenium(II)-NHC (Ru^II) and gold(I)-NHC (Au^I) complexes that have anticarcinogenic effects. For this purpose, 35 Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 equal groups. In control group, rats treated with saline, Ru^II, and Au^I complexes were intraperitoneally given high (10 mg/kg) and low (5 mg/kg) doses to rats via a one-time administration. The animals were sacrificed, and testis tissues were taken on Day 10 of the drug administration for the determination of the biochemical, histopathological, spermatological, and hormonal parameters. It was determined that treatment group that was subjected to treatment using both Ru^II and Au^I complexes significantly caused oxidative, histopathological, spermatological, and hormonal damage compared to control group. However, the sexual and accessory organ weight did not significantly change when compared to control. In addition, it was shown that Au^I treatment generally caused more adverse effects than Ru^II treatment in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, when these synthesized compounds are used for the treatment of cancer, they could cause toxic effects on male reproductive system and lead to infertility. However, Ru^II complex is a more preferable option in cancer treatment, particularly in terms of user safety.

Keywords::

• Ruthenium^II
• gold^I
• reproductive toxicity
• testis tissue
• NHC complexes