Protective role of Polyphenols (Anthocyanin, Gallic acid) and Blackberry Juice against Acrylamide Reproductive toxicity in Male Rats

Abstract

Background: Acrylamide (ACR) is carcinogenic to humans; it is capable of inducing genotoxic, carcinogenic, developmental, and reproductive effects in animals. Blackberries rank highly among fruits with strong antioxidant activities, it is highly concentrated in a vast amount of phytochemicals, most of which are phenolic compounds. Aim of the study: this study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effect of Blackberry juice (BBJ) as a natural source of polyphenols and either anthocyanin or gallic acid against the harmful effect of acrylamide on reproductive system in male rats. Methods: Male albino rats (n=50) averaging 180±5g BW were classified into five equal groups (G; n=10/G). G1 served as untreated control (negative control); G2 (positive control) rats were orally given acrylamide at 50mg/kg BW; G3 rats were given anthocyanin (5mg/kg BW) plus 50 mg/kg BW acrylamide; G4 rats were given 3μg/kg Gallic acid plus 50 mg/kg acrylamide and G5 animals were given 50 mg/kg BW acrylamide plus 1.6 g/kg BW of BBJ. Rats were administered their respective doses orally on daily basis for eight weeks. Results: Number of sperms, percent motility and plasma testosterone were significantly decreased in acrylamide group, but number of abnormal sperms was significantly increased than in control rats. ACR significantly increased levels of TBARS and NO in testes tissue than control, but it caused significant decreases in the activities of GSH, SOD and TAC in testes tissue than control. ACR also caused significant increase of cytokines (p53, TNF, IL6) than control. Involvement of polyphenols (Anthocyanin, Gallic) along with acrylamide caused improvement in the reproductive functions. Inclusion of blackberry caused significant increases in the number of sperm, motility and plasma testosterone, but decreased number of abnormal sperm compared with anthocyanin and Gallic. Polyphenols (anthocyanin, gallic) and blackberry significantly decreased TBARS, NO and cytokines (p53, TNF and IL6); whereas it increased activities of GSH, SOD and TAC than acrylamide-intoxicated rats. Testicular histological study revealed that ACR showed the maximum affection, but polyphenols and blackberry minimized the deleterious effects of ACR. Conclusion: We can conclude that blackberry juice, as a natural source of antioxidant and other nutrients, can alleviate the toxic effects of ACR and enhance the antioxidant defense mechanisms to protect reproductive function surpassing the use of polyphenols (Anthocyanin, Gallic).