Abstract
BackgroundQuercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid known for its potent antioxidant properties, has been investigated for its potential in counteracting the harmful effects of lead (Pb) toxicity, which induces apoptosis and oxidative damage in various human tissues. This study aims to assess the reparative effects of quercetin on lead-induced testicular damage.MethodsFour groups, each comprising ten adult male albino rats, were randomly assigned as follows: Quercetin group, Pb group, Pb + Quercetin group, and control group. All treatments were administered orally via gavage daily for a duration of 30 days. Evaluation of sex hormone levels (serum testosterone, FSH, and LH), cytokines and inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1), lead concentration, oxidative and antioxidant stress markers (superoxide anion [O2−], MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH), and sperm characteristics were carried out.ResultsThe results demonstrated a significant decline in sex hormones and antioxidants, accompanied by an increase in lead concentrations, cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress indicators (O2−, MDA), while SOD, CAT, and GSH levels were reduced. The Pb-intoxicated group exhibited a substantial increase in dead and abnormal sperm, along with significant reductions in sperm concentration and motility. Morphometrically, a marked decrease was observed in spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, spermatids, and sertoli cells per seminiferous tubule, as well as epithelial height. Furthermore, coadministration of quercetin exhibited notable benefits. It significantly elevated testosterone levels (P < 0.001), testicular SOD, CAT, and GSH activities, while decreasing MDA levels (P < 0.001). Quercetin also mitigated the deleterious effects of lead toxicity on sperm parameters and restored morphometric variations, including epithelial height.ConclusionsQuercetin supplementation alongside lead exposure showed a potential for ameliorating degenerative changes caused by lead toxicity in the testicles. This cotreatment effectively reduced oxidative stress, cytokine levels, inflammatory mediators, and restored biochemical alterations, thereby improving morphometric parameters.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
