Apigenin Ameliorates Lead Acetate Induced Hyperlipidemia and Hypogonadism in Male Rats

Abstract

Background: Lead (Pb) is an environmental pollutant and has detrimental effects on human health. Apigenin (APG) is a flavonoid that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic and cardioprotective so is used as treatment of many diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the probable protective effect of APG against Pb-induced toxicity in rats. Methods: Adult male rats were given either Pb (as lead acetate; 20 mg/kg) alone or in combination with APG (20 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks by intraperitoneally injection (i.p). At the end of the experimental period, Pb accumulation, lipid profile and testicular function alterations were assessed. In addition, histopathological changes in the testis were assessed. Result: Results revealed that Pb treatment significantly increased Pb concentrations in blood and testis of rats. Further, the blood levels of hormones related to testis were altered in Pb-treated rats. In parallel, low sperm count and sperm motility, increased sperm abnormalities and marked pathological changes in testis were observed. On the contrary, the treatment with both Pb and APG recorded amelioration of the deleterious effects of Pb, involving attenuation of changes in lipid profile and testicular hormonal levels, sperm parameters and pathological changes in Pb treated rat’s testis. In conclusion, it appears that dietary APG can ameliorate lead acetate induced hyperlipidemia and hypogonadism in male rats.