Background: Testicular toxicity is a well-documented adverse impact of a large number of chemotherapeutic drugs.
6-mercaptopurine (6MP) is an anti-cancer agent with strong anti-tumor activity. Despite this, it has a detrimental impact on the
male reproductive system. Royal jelly (RJ) is a nutrient-dense substance that may also include antibacterial, antioxidant, and
anti-inflammatory characteristics. These qualities may account for the majority of royal jelly's health claims. This study aimed
to investigate the protective effect of RJ on 6MP-induced testicular damage in adult albino rats.
Materials and Methods: Forty male adult albino rats were categorized into four equivalent groups (n= 10): control, RJ group < br />(200 mg/kg RJ for 30 days), 6MP group (5 mg/kg 6MP for 20 days), and RJ+6MP group (200 mg/kg RJ for 10 days alone
then concomitant with 5 mg/kg 6MP for 20 days). Histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the testes were
performed.
Results: The histological results revealed that oral administration of 6MP triggers a substantial reduction in testis weights,
count, sperm motility %, and viability. 6MP also caused severe testicular degeneration with weak immunoreactivity to Bcl-
2and N-Cadherin. RJ attenuated testicular degeneration and upregulated the expression of Bcl-2 and N-Cadherin.
Conclusion: RJ reduced all testicular changes induced by 6MP. Thus, RJ may be a viable medication for infertility problems
associated with testicular injuries.