In vitro antiapoptotic effects of the calligonum extract on spermatogonial stem cells

Background: Spermatogonial stem cells are the foundation of spermatogenesis and male fertility. So, their maintenance and culture are very important. Objective: In this study, we assessed protective effects of the Calligonum on in vitro viability and apoptotic and antiapoptotic genes expression of spermatogonial stem cells. Materials and Methods: After 24 hr of culture, the spermatogonial stem cells were treated with 30 μM dose of H2O2 and then 10 μg/ml the Calligonum extract was added for 3 wks. Viability was assessed by Trypan blue, apoptosis using PI-Annexin and finally Bax, Bcl-2 and P53 genes expression by Real-Time Polymerase chain reaction. Results: After 3 wk of treatment, viability in the Calligonum extract+H2O2 group was significantly higher than H2O2 group alone (p=0.001). In the Calligonum extract+H2O2 group, apoptosis, as well as expression of apoptotic genes (Bax and P53), was significantly lower than the group treated with H2O2 alone. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that 30 μM H2O2 increased apoptosis but decreased viability in spermatogonial stem cells. Calligonum has antioxidant properties that can reduce apoptosis, Bax and P53 expression and increase the viability and Bcl-2 expression.