Ameliorative effect of edible Halopteris scoparia against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice: A biochemical and histopathologic study.

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal affecting the reproductive system. Halopteris scoparia (brown algae) is generally consumed as a salad in the Far East countries. This study was conducted to compare and determine the possible protective effects of H.scoparia and vitamin E and C combination (VEC) against cadmium chloride (CdCl2 )-induced reproductive toxicity. A total of 36 male mice were equally divided into as control, CdCl2 (2mg/kg), CdCl2 +H.scoparia (900mg/kg), CdCl2 +VEC (200mg/kg), H.scoparia alone and VEC alone groups. Blood and testis samples were taken for biochemical, histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. H.scoparia was also examined for antioxidant activity (by DPPH assay) and mineral/trace element content (by ICP-MS method). CdCl2 exposure caused a significant deterioration in body weight, sperm parameters (count, motility, viability and morphology) (p<.001), histopathology, immunoreactivity and testosterone levels. However, H.scoparia improved CdCl2 -induced deterioration effects more successfully than VEC-treated group. The present study suggests that edible H.scoparia can be used as a natural protective agent against Cd-induced testicular damage by possibly enhancing essential element levels or increasing antioxidant defence system.