Effects of α-Tocopherol on Cadmium-Induced Toxicity in Rat Testis and Spermatogenesis

Abstract

Cadmium is known to exert toxic effects on multiple organs, including the testes. To determine if α-Tocopherol, an antioxidant, could protect testicular tissues and spermatogenesis from the toxic effects of cadmium, six-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive cadmium at doses of 0 (control), 1, 2, 4 or 8 mg/kg by the intraperitoneal route (Group A) or α-tocopherol for 5 days before being challenged with cadmium (Group B) in an identical dose-dependent manner. When both groups received cadmium at 1 mg/kg, there were no changes in testicular histology relative to controls. When Group A received cadmium at 2 mg/kg, undifferentiated spermatids and dead Sertoli cells increased in the seminiferous tubules while interstitial cells decreased and inflammatory cells increased in the interstitial tissues. On flow cytometric analysis, the numbers of elongated spermatids (M1) and round spermatids (M2) decreased while 2c stage cells (M3, diploid) increased. In contrast, when Group B received cadmium at 2 mg/kg, the histological insults were reduced and the distribution of the germ cell population remained comparable to controls. However, α-tocopherol had no protective effects with higher cadmium doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg. These findings indicate that α-tocopherol treatment can protect testicular tissue and preserve spermatogenesis from the detrimental effects of cadmium but its effectiveness is dependent on the dose of cadmium exposed.

Recovery of sertoli cells by Allium cepa in Toxoplasma gondii infected rats

“…Several studies have reported that antioxidants and vitamins A, B, C, and E can protect sperm's DNA from free radicals, and also, increase barrier stability of blood testis (Jedlinska- (Khaki et al, 2009). Antioxidants protect DNA and other important molecules from oxidation and damage, improve sperm quality, and consequently, increase fertility rate in men (Yang et al, 2006). Therefore, the role of nutritional and biochemical factors in reproduction and sub-fertility treatment is very important.…”

Advantage of Guaraná (Paullinia cupana Mart.) Supplementation on Cadmium-induced Damages in Testis of Adult Wistar Rats

“…A slight adjustment in the intraperitoneal dose of cadmium results in severe changes in testicular morphology. Predes, Diamante, and Dolder (2010) and Yang et al (2006) showed that a single cadmium ip injection of 1.0 mg/kg BW (body weight) did not result in any marked morphological change in rodent testis 56 days following the exposure to the metal. On the other hand, ip doses ranging between 1.15 and 1.2 mg/kg BW are reported to cause drastic alterations in the testis, including seminiferous epithelium depletion, vasoconstriction, and Leydig cell numerical reduction (Leite et al 2011;Predes, Diamante, and Dolder 2010) Based upon the data presented, the current study investigates whether P. cupana supplementation, after cadmium exposure, has the potential to reduce the testicular impairments normally observed in Wistar rats exposed to this metal.…”

Effect of Halawa Tahinia Alone or with Ginger and Cinnamon on Sex Hormones in Adult Male Rats

“…Moreover, ginger can improve sperm quality and consequently increase fertility rate in men [54,55]. Similar results were reported by Mares and Najam (2012) [56] who mentioned that, there was a significant (p<0.01) increase in sperm count (16.2%), sperm motility (47.3%), sperm viability and normal sperm morphology (40.7%), ejaculate volume (36.1%) and significant increase was observed for serum FSH, LH and testosterone levels of infertile men after treatment with ginger as compared with that before treatment.…”

“…Antioxidants protect DNA and other important molecules from oxidation and damage and can improve sperm quality and consequently increase fertility rate in men [17,18].…”