Abstract
ABSTRACT The role of oxidative stress in cadmium (Cd) – induced testicular damage and its prevention by co-treatment with diallyl sulfide (DAS) or zinc (Zn) was investigated. Adult male rats were administered with 2.5 mg CdCl2/kg body weight five times a week for 4 weeks. Glutathione (GSH) and GSH-metabolizing enzymes activities were reduced, and nitric oxide level was increased in testes after Cd administration, indicating increased oxidative stress. Cellular damage was indicated by the inhibition of testicular glucose-6-phosphatase and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activities. Cd also decreased total antioxidant capacity and increased acid phosphatase activity and glucose level in serum along with hemoglobin absorbance in testes. These changes were accompanied by an increase of testicular Cd, iron (Fe) and calcium (Ca) and a decrease of Zn, while on the contrary, no change in selenium (Se) was observed. The histological findings revealed severe testicular damage. Administration of DAS or Zn concurrently with Cd ameliorated Cd-induced testicular damage. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Cadmium (Cd) is a well-recognized environmental pollutant with numerous adverse health effects. The testis is known to serve as one of the important targets of Cd. Garlic (Allium sativum) is one of the medicinal plants that have attracted particular attention in modern and folk medicine because of its widespread health use around the world. In ancient Egypt and Rome, garlic was given to laborers and soldiers, possibly to mitigate fatigue or to prompt recovery from physical exhaustion. Zinc is an essential trace element that is needed for the activity of more than 300 enzymes. The ease with which many preparations of garlic and zinc can be obtained over the counter in drug stores and in health food stores, make them good candidates in modern medicine. This study aims to enlighten the beneficial effects of diallyl sulfide (main active constituent of garlic) and zinc in Cd-induced testicular damage.
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