Abstract

 
 
 
 Purpose: To investigate the ameliorative effect of aqueous garlic extract (AGEx) on cadmium chloride (CdCl2-induced) alterations in the blood and testicles of rats.
 Methods: A total of 24 male rats (160 - 200 g), randomly assigned into 4 groups (A - D; n = 6), were used to investigate the claimed protective effect of AGEx on blood and spermatogenic tissues following CdCl2-intoxication in albino rats. The rats in Group A served as controls and were given 5mg/mL of deionized water. Group B rats were given 300 mg/kg of AGEx. Group C rats were given 2 mg/kg of CdCl2. Rats in Group D first received 2 mg/kg of CdCl2, and 300 mg/kg of AGEx 2 h later. All treatments were administered every 48 h for a period of six weeks.
 Results: CdCl2 administration to group C rats reduced haematocrit value (PCV), concentration of haemoglobin (Hb), red cell count (RBC), total leucocytes count (tWBC), eosinophil, neutrophil, testicular weight and sperm reserve (p < 0.05), but elevated lymphocytes count compared with control (p < 0.05). AGEx 300 mg/kg in group D rats significantly reversed (p < 0.05) the altered parameters compared with control.
 Conclusion: The results demonstrate that administration of aqueous Allium sativum (garlic) extract to male rats enhances spermatogenesis, and ameliorates testicular and haematological alterations induced by cadmium poisoning. Therefore, the spermatogenic principle in AGEx is a potential candidate for the clinical management of male infertility.
 
 
 
Highlights
Infertility has a prevalence of approximately 15 % worldwide [1]; and adverse effects of different environmental toxicants on spermatogenesis in rodents and humans have been widely reported [2]
The significant reductions in the Packed Cell Volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration and red blood cells count of group C rats when compared with the control group A rats suggest that CdCl2 administration resulted in anaemia [16]
The significant increase in the PCV in Group D rats when compared with group C rats proved that administration of aqueous garlic extract (AGEx) ameliorated the adverse effects of CdCl2 on erythropoiesis
Summary
Infertility has a prevalence of approximately 15 % worldwide [1]; and adverse effects of different environmental toxicants on spermatogenesis in rodents and humans have been widely reported [2]. The current research was designed to investigate the ameliorative effects of AGE on testicular and hematologic toxicities induced by cadmium chloride in albino rats. With the aid of 18-guage oral rat feeder, these treatment regimens were administered every 48 h for a period of six consecutive weeks when blood and testes were obtained from all the groups for assessment of different parameters. Following determination of the body weights of the rats, humane sacrifice by decapitation was done and testes carefully harvested in order to determine the testicular weights. This was done using the method described by [12], with slight modification [13].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
