Influence of Chitosan from Shrimp Skin to Quality and Quantity of Sperm of Albino Rats after Administration of Lead

Abstract

Background: Pollution Plumbum (Pb) has become a public health problem in the world, especially in developing countries, such as Asia, Africa and Latin America. For the humans to cause disturbances in the body’s organs such as the testes, will indirectly affect the quantity and quality of sperm. Aim: In the present study, the ability of lead to adversely affect the male reproductive system was investigated and chitosan (CHn) was administered orally to prevent the adverse effects of Pb. Materials and methods: Thirty Wistar rats, randomised into six groups (n=5), were used for this study. Distilled water administration for 7 weeks (negative control), Pb for 2 weeks + Pb and distilled water for 5 weeks (positive control), Pb for 2 weeks + Pb and chitosan -0.5% for 5 weeks (treatment-1), Pb for 2 weeks + Pb and chitosan-0,75% for 5 weeks (treatment-2), Pb for 2 weeks + Pb and chitosan-1% for 5 weeks (treatment-3). All treatments were for 7 weeks. Statistical Analysis: Kruskal-Wallis and Mann–Whitney U-test were used to analyse the results obtained. Results: The obtained results showed that Pb caused a significant reduction in the sperm count, sperm motility, normal sperm morphology, and sperm viability, but not a significant increase in ratio of testis/100 g body weight of rat. Chitosan, however, significantly reduced these adverse effects of Pb in cauda epididimis (sperm count, sperm motility, normal sperm morphology, and sperm viability). Conclusion: These findings lead to the conclusion that chitosan significantly lowered the adverse effects of Pb exposure on the testis as well as Pb-induced oxidative stress.