Protective Effect of Nano-Vitamin C on Infertility due to Oxidative Stress Induced by Lead and Arsenic in Male Rats

Mahdieh Raeeszadeh,Abolfazl Akbari,Ali Akbar Amiri,Behzad Karimfar,Hangbiao Jin

doi:10.1155/2021/9589345

Mahdieh Raeeszadeh, Abolfazl Akbari + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9589345

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Abstract

Occupational and environmental exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) by inducing oxidative damage may impair male fertility. However, there is a new view that shows that the nano form of vitamins such as vitamin C, which have antioxidant activity, can be effective in improving this disorder. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of NVC (NVC) on reproductive toxicity caused by the combination of Pb and As on testicular histology, sperm morphology, oxidative stress parameters, and hormonal changes in male rats. In this experimental study, forty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, NVC (200 mg/kg), As (50 ppm sodium arsenate), Pb (500 ppm Pb acetate), As + NVC, and Pb + NVC. FSH, LH, and testosterone levels were measured in serum. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), carbonyl protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured in testis. Histological examination and sperm parameters were also evaluated. FSH, LH, and testosterone levels and sperm parameters significantly decreased, and levels of protein carbonyl, MDA, and DNA fragmentation increased in the As and Pb groups, while treatment with NVC could improve them. Histological evaluation and sperm parameters in As and Pb groups showed damage in the process of spermatogenesis and sperm parameters. The treatment with NVC could significantly improve these parameters. The activity of GPx, SOD, and CAT in testis decreased in As and Pb groups, while treatment with NVC could enhance them. It can be concluded that NVC by inhibiting oxidative damage and improving serum level of testosterone, LH, and FSH could overcome As- and Pb-induced reproductive dysfunction.

Highlights

Occupational and environmental exposure to heavy metals such as As and Pb has increased in recent decades due to the development of industry and can adversely affect many functional systems of the body, including the endocrine system and reproduction [1, 2]
Due to the above explanations and the lack of a similar study, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nanoparticles of vitamin C (NVC) on reproductive damage caused by exposure to Pb and As
Serum Levels of Reproductive Hormones. e highest level of FSH was seen in the NVC group, and the lowest level was seen in the Pb and As groups (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

Occupational and environmental exposure to heavy metals such as As and Pb has increased in recent decades due to the development of industry and can adversely affect many functional systems of the body, including the endocrine system and reproduction [1, 2]. Various mechanisms, including cell dysfunction, impairment of signaling pathways, oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and changes in endocrine function, are involved in harmful reproductive effects caused by heavy metals [5]. As and Pb bind to the thiol groups of protein and disrupt their function. In mitochondria, it depletes energy [6]. Apoptosis, and cellular toxicity induced by As and Pb can cause male infertility

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