Effects of X-ray application on infertility in new-born rats

Abstract

In this study, the effect of early X-ray exposure on infertility was investigated by creating a newborn model with rats. Fifteen Pregnant rats were divided into five groups. After birth, the study was continued with 12 babies (6 males, 6 females) rat in each group. Different amounts of X-rays were applied to the experimental groups. At the end of the experiment, there was found that testosterone levels decreased in all experimental groups compared to the control group (P $<$ 0.05). When the experimental groups were compared to the control group, there was a decrease in the number of spermatogoniums from all the experimental groups. The decrease in group II, group III and group IV was found to be statistically significant (P $<$ 0.05). As a result, exposure to X-rays in new-borns and premature babies; It was observed that it caused disruption of caspase signaling in gonad organs, a serious decrease in hormonal activity, a significant decrease in spermatogonia number and a decrease in the number of primordial follicles. Considering these results, it can be predicted that exposure to X-rays in the neonatal period, especially in the premature period, may lead to infertility in later life.

KEYWORDS:

• X-ray
• ionizing radiation
• newborn
• infertility
• rat

Acknowledgements

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by Salih Çibuk, Handan Mert, Nihat Mert, Oğuz Tuncer, Fikret Altındağ, Kamuran Karaman, Uğur Özdek, İsmet Meydan. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Salih Çibuk, and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit: [grant number TSA-2018-6826].

Notes on contributors

Salih Çibuk

Salih Çibuk is an Assistant Professor Ph.D. at Van Yüzüncü Yil University, Van Vocational School of Health Services. Dr Çibuk is a research scientist with more than 5 years of research experience in the field of Biochemistry. He has authored or co-authored abstracts and manuscripts in the scientific field. His research interests are: Biochemistry, Ionizing Radiation and Its Effects, Oxidative Stress, DNA Damage, Cell Pathways, Apoptosis.

Handan Mert

Nihat Mert is a professor, Ph.D. at Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Biochemistry Department. He has authored or co-authored scientific publications in the form of abstracts, manuscripts or reviews. He also acts as a scientific referee for publications in the field of Biochemistry.

Nihat Mert

Handan Mert is a professor, Ph.D. at Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Biochemistry Department. She has authored or co-authored scientific publications in the form of abstracts, manuscripts or reviews. He also acts as a scientific referee for publications in the field of Biochemistry.

Oğuz Tuncer

Oğuz Tuncer is Professor at Van Yuzuncu Yıl University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics. He has authored or co-authored scientific publications in the form of abstracts, manuscripts or reviews. He also works as a clinical chief in the neonatal service of the Medical Faculty Hospital.

Fikret Altındağ

Fikret Altındağ is an Assistant Professor at Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology. He has authored or co-authored scientific publications in the form of abstracts, manuscripts or reviews. He is also the assistant editor of the scientific journal.

Kamuran Karaman

Kamuran Karaman is an Associate Professor at Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics. He has authored or co-authored scientific publications in the form of abstracts, manuscripts or reviews. He also works as a physician in the Pediatric Hematology Service of the Faculty of Medicine.

Uğur Özdek

Uğur Özdek is an Associate Professor Ph.D. at Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van Health Services Vocational School. Wrote or co-authored abstracts and manuscripts in the scientific field. Interests: Biochemistry, Phytotherapy, Oxidative Stress, DNA Damage.

İsmet Meydan

İsmet Meydan works as an Assistant Professor at Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van Health Services Vocational School. Wrote or co-authored abstracts and manuscripts in the scientific field. Areas of interest: Biochemistry, Green synthesis, Oxidative Stress, DNA Damage, nanoparticle.