Histological and Ultrastructural Study of the Effect of Isotretinoin on Seminiferous Tubules of Adult Male Albino Rats and the Possible Protective Role of Resveratrol

Background: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatologic conditions worldwide. Isotretinoin is the first line of treatment for severe acne, but it has side effects on many organs. Resveratrol has been demonstrated to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of isotretinoin on the seminiferous tubules of the testis of adult albino rats and to assess the potential protective function of resveratrol. Methods: Four major groups of forty-five adult male albino rats were formed: Group I (control), Group II (resveratrol, 20 mg/kg/day orally for 28 days), Group III (isotretinoin, 7.5 mg/kg/day orally for 21 days), and Group IV received resveratrol in concomitant with isotretinoin at the same dose and manner as groups II and III, respectively. Testicular tissues were obtained for processing and histological examination. Morphometric and statistical analyses were also applied. Results: Examination of group III revealed wide spaces between the seminiferous tubules. Indentation, separation, and even loss of the basal lamina from the overlying germinal epithelium were also observed. Additionally, compared to group I, the area percentage of B Cell Lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was significantly lower. Ultrastructurally, there were wide intercellular spaces, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and swollen mitochondria in spermatogenic cells. Regarding group IV, studies using light and electron microscopy showed that the seminiferous tubules' typical histological structure was preserved. Conclusion: Resveratrol could prevent the structural alterations that isotretinoin induced in the seminiferous tubules of adult male albino rats.