Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt.
2
Department of Histology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt
3
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Al Arish University, North Sinai, Egypt
4
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
5
Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt
6
Department of Physiology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt.
7
Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt
8
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt.
9
Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt
10
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt.
11
Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Helwan, Egypt
Abstract
Background: Several industrial products [such as paints, cosmetics, and petrol] contained metals like lead [Pb], which are harmful to people. The reproductive organs are the primary organs affected by heavy metal toxicity through the production of oxidative stress. Selenium and curcumin could help to counteract this toxicity.
Aim of the work: We investigated the possible role of Selenium or curcumin in improving the testicular toxicity caused by the intake of Lead orally in albino rats.
Materials and Methods: 40 adult male albino rats were selected and unsystematically separated into 4 groups [10 rats/each] included: Group 1: control group; Group 2: Pb-exposed group; Group 3: Pb plus Selenium and Group 4: Pb plus Curcumin. Blood samples were collected for examination of serum biochemical parameters, serum Testosterone, LH, FSH levels, Total Anti-oxidant Capacity [TAC], testicular tissue oxidative stress parameters and testicular histology were evaluated.
Results: Oral administration of Pb to rats for 4 weeks disturbs the testicular structure and function with a significant increase in the oxidative stress enzymes, deposition of collagen fibers and anticaspase-3 in the testis. While, administration of either Selenium or Curcumin with Pb-exposure induced significant improvement of all the testicular changes.
Conclusion: Chronic lead exposure causes deteriorating changes in the testicular structures and functions which could be improved by oral intake of either Selenium or Curcumin by their antioxidant, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic properties.
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