Abstract
BackgroundTo investigate the protective effects of Tualang honey against the toxicity effects induced by cadmium (Cd) on the ovary.MethodsA total of 32 female Sprague Dawley rats were taken and randomly divided into four groups (n = 8). Throughout the experimental period of 6 weeks, negative control-NC (vehicle deionized water), positive control-CD (Cd at 5 mg/kg), Tualang honey followed by Cd exposure-TH (Tualang honey at 200 mg/kg and Cd at 5 mg/kg) and Tualang honey control-THC (Tualang honey at 200 mg/kg) groups, were administered orally on a daily basis.ResultsRats exposed to Cd were significantly higher in ovarian weight, number of antral and atretic follicles as compared to the NC group. The disruptive effects of Cd on ovarian follicles were associated with a disruption in gonadotropin hormones and decreases in follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Moreover, a significant formation of oxidative stress in ovarian Cd-exposed rats has been proven by increasing the level of lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde) and decreasing the levels of enzymatic antioxidant (catalase). Interestingly, a daily supplementation of high antioxidant agents such as Tualang honey in these animals, caused significant improvements in the histological changes. Additionally, less atretic follicles were observed, restoring the normal level of LH and FSH (P < 0.001), and normalizing the ovarian malondialdehyde (P < 0.05) and catalase levels in comparison with CD group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsTualang honey has protective effects against Cd-induced ovarian toxicity by reducing morphological abnormalities, restoring the normal levels of gonadotropin hormones and stabilizing equilibrium levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme in ovaries of rats.
Highlights
To investigate the protective effects of Tualang honey against the toxicity effects induced by cadmium (Cd) on the ovary
Toxic effects of Cd are associated with increased levels of lipid peroxidation, resulting in the alterations of antioxidant defense systems including enzymes such as catalase (CAT), and non-enzymatic molecules, whose function is to act against the toxic effects of the free radicals [13, 14]
The body weight gain and changes in body weight in the Cadmium control group (CD) group were slightly lower than the Negative Control (NC) group
Summary
To investigate the protective effects of Tualang honey against the toxicity effects induced by cadmium (Cd) on the ovary. The exposure of Cd has been well documented to induce oxidative stress (OS) by producing excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body [10,11,12] This can cause damage to cell structures, including lipids, membranes, proteins and nucleic acids. The toxic effects of Cd may disrupt the process of steroidogenesis, leading to ovarian function-failure, and promoting hemorrhage and necrosis of the ovary [18, 19]. This becomes a matter of great concern, especially with all the consequences of Cd toxicity that can lead to infertility, among women. An extensive study on the possible therapeutic approaches to prevent toxic effects of Cd on the reproductive system is necessary
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