Investigating the effect of Phoenixin in Chronic Unpredictable Stress (CUS)-Induced Reproductive Dysfunction in Male Rats: Affecting Testes and Sperm Quality

Chronic stress can lead to physiological issues, including reproductive dysfunction. This study investigated the effects of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) on reproductive neuropeptides, sperm quality, and testicular morphology in Sprague Dawley rats. Rats were divided into control and CUS-induced groups, undergoing stress for 28 days followed by behavioural assessments. Gene expression levels and hormone concentrations were measured, showing increased CRH and cortisol in CUS-induced rats, while GnRH increased but LH and testosterone decreased. Subsequent treatment with phoenixin (PNX) reduced stress markers and improved sperm quality and testis morphology, suggesting PNX's potential role in mitigating stress-induced reproductive damage