# Chrysin's protective effect on the expression of protamine, Tsga10, Dazl, and Akap4 genes against diazinon toxin in male rats: An experimental study

## TL;DR

This study shows that chrysin can protect against diazinon's harmful effects on genes related to male rat fertility.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates chrysin's protective role on specific testicular genes affected by diazinon in rats.

## Key findings

- Diazinon reduced Dazl, Tsga10, and protamine gene expression but increased Akap4 expression.
- Chrysin significantly mitigated the negative effects of diazinon on gene expression.
- Histological improvements were observed in rats treated with chrysin alongside diazinon.

## Abstract

Environmental pollution due to pesticides is a major health problem worldwide that causes toxicity. Chrysin (C) is a flavonoid that reduces the adverse effects caused by diazinon (D).

To investigate the protective effects of C on the expression of protamine, testis-specific gene antigen 10 (Tsga10), deleted azoospermia-like gene (Dazl), and A-Kinase anchoring protein 4 (Akap4) genes in the testicular tissue of rats receiving D.

In this experimental study, 42 Wistar rats (7–8 wk, 180–250 gr) were selected. This study was conducted in 2021 at the Pasteur Institute of Iran, Amol Research Center, Amol, Iran. Injections were performed 5 days a week for 4 wk. Random grouping of rats: 1) control: without any injection. 2) Sham: injection of 10% tween 80 solution as D solvent. 3) D: injection at a concentration of 20 mg/kg/BW. 4 and 5) C with low dose (C10 mg/kg/BW) and high dose (C20 mg/kg/BW). 6 and 7) D with low dose of C (D20 mg/kg/BW/ C10 mg/kg/BW) and D with high dose: (D20 mg/kg/BW/ C20 mg/kg/BW). Finally, the testes were examined in terms of histology and gene expression.

Histological results showed that D improved spermatogenesis after C intervention by reducing germinal cells, diameter, and lumen area. SPSS results showed that D reduced the expression of Dazl (p
<
0.0001), Tsga10 (p = 0.01), and protamine (p
<
0.0001) genes, but increased the expression of Akap4 gene (p
<
0.0001).

D has a negative effect on the expression of meiotic genes in rat testicular tissue, while C greatly reduces the adverse effects caused by D.