Abstract
Proton pumps are membrane-bound enzymes important in generating gradients that help in maintaining cellular ion homeostasis, cell membrane potential, water, and solute transport across the cell surface. This study investigated the modulatory role of vitamin E on proton pump activity and reproductive parameters in cadmium-induced testicular damage. Twenty (20) male Wistar rats weighing between 180 and 200 g were sorted into 4 groups of five rats each. Group I served as the control and was given normal saline orally, Group II rats were treated with a single dose of 2 mg/kg BW cadmium chloride (CdCl2) intraperitoneally, Group III rats were given 100 mg/kg BW of vitamin E orally, and Group IV rats were given 100 mg/kg BW of vitamin E orally for 30 days prior to intraperitoneal administration of single dose of 2 mg/kg BW of cadmium chloride. The rats were anaesthetized with diethyl ether, and blood samples were obtained for sex hormonal analysis; caudal epididymis was dissected for sperm count, motility, and viability, and the testis were homogenized for lipid peroxidation and proton pump (Na+/K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase, and Mg2+ ATPase) activity. Proton pump activity was assayed spectrophotometrically using the Stewart method to determine the inorganic phosphate level. Histopathological changes of the testis were also studied. The group treated with CdCl2 showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in proton pump activity, sperm count, and motility and a significant (p < 0.05) increase in malondialdehyde level when compared with the control group. The CdCl2-treated group also showed decrease reproductive organ weights and hormonal levels and cause necrosis of spermatogonia lining the seminiferous tubules. Rats treated with vitamin E orally for 30 days prior to CdCl2 exposure showed improvement in proton pump activity, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in sperm parameters and luteinizing hormonal level, and a decrease in the lipid peroxidation level as compared with the CdCl2 group. This study showed that vitamin E ameliorated the toxic effect of CdCl2 on proton pump activity in the testes, hence improving testicular integrity, structures, and functions.
Highlights
Infertility is defined as the lack of ability of a noncontracepting couple to conceive after repeated and unprotected sexual intercourse for more than one year [1]
Vitamin E is synthesized only by plants and, is found in plant products; the richest sources include vegetable oils and to a lesser extent, seeds, nuts, and cereal grains. It is effective in preventing lipid peroxidation, a series of chemical reactions involving the oxidative deterioration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) [14]
Treatment with vitamin E resulted in a significant weight gain by 46 g after 30 days at levels approaching the control group, and treatment with vitamin E for 30 days orally and administration with a single dose of cadmium chloride (2 mg/kg BW) resulted in weight gain (25.8 g) at levels approaching the control group (Groups II and III versus Groups I and IV)
Summary
Infertility is defined as the lack of ability of a noncontracepting couple to conceive after repeated and unprotected sexual intercourse for more than one year [1]. Testicular oxidative stress is commonly induced under different normal or pathophysiological conditions, leading to male infertility [10]. Exposure to cadmium has an effect of a significant reduction in the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in testicular cells [9] and a depletion of many essential metal antioxidants including selenium in the body [11]. Vitamin E is synthesized only by plants and, is found in plant products; the richest sources include vegetable oils and to a lesser extent, seeds, nuts, and cereal grains. It is effective in preventing lipid peroxidation, a series of chemical reactions involving the oxidative deterioration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) [14]. This study is aimed at investigating the toxic effect of cadmium-chloride on proton pump activity in the testes and to evaluate the possible modulatory role of vitamin E on the proton pump activity and reproductive parameters of Wistar rats
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