Does coenzyme Q10 supplementation protect spermatogenesis in ciprofloxacin-induced rat testes?

Ciprofloxacin (CPFX) is frequently prescribed by fertility specialists and urologists to manage infections in male reproductive organs. However, it is toxic to the testicles and can lead to infertility. Dietary antioxidants are known to protect the testis from damage. This study aimed to investigate the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the adverse side effects of CPFX using stereological methods. Sixty rats were divided into six groups: control (distilled water), CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day), and low-dose (103 mg/kg/day) and high-dose (206 mg/kg/day) of CPFX (LD-CPFX, HD-CPFX) with or without CoQ10 consumption. The treatments lasted for 45 days. Sperm count, serum testosterone levels, and testicular parameters were evaluated. Significant decreases in sperm count, motility, normal morphology, viability, and testosterone levels were observed in the LD-CPFX (p