Protective Effects of Wheat Sprout on Testicular Toxicity in Male Rats Exposed to Lead

Abstract

Objective: Negative effects of lead on the male reproductive system and sperm fertility parameters have been shown broadly. In recent years, use of medicinal herbs in reducing heavy metal toxicities has increased worldwide. One of these herbals, wheat sprout, contains high amount of vitamins (especially vitamin E), antioxidants and phytoestrogen compounds. This study investigated the effects of wheat sprout extract (WSE) and vitamin E on testicular oxidative stress in rats exposed to lead acetate. Methods: Thirty-five rats were divided randomly into seven groups: G1 (control group) received 1 ml/kg/day of normal saline, G2 received 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, G3 and G4 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of WSE respectively, G5 and G6 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of WSE respectively with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, and G7 received 100 mg/kg/day of vitamin E with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate. After 35 days, rats were sacrificed and blood, sperm, liver and testicle tissue samples were collected for histomorphological and histochemical studies. Results: Results showed that count, motility and viability of sperms decreased following the administration of lead acetate (P<0.01). Histomorphological studies showed a significant decrease in tubular differentiation index (TDI), spermiogenesis index (SI), repopulation index (RI), number of Leydig and Sertoli cells, and epithelium height and diameter of seminiferous tubules in groups receiving lead acetate (P<0.05). Conclusion: Summary, results of the current study show that dose dependent WSE significantly prevents testicular toxicity and oxidative stress effects of lead acetate.