Abstract
The current study was conducted to investigate the role of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) against testicular toxicity- induced by lead acetate (PbAc) in rats. Four groups of adult Wistar albino rats (8 for each) were intubated daily for 56 days as follows; control (C)received dislled water; lead acetate at dose of 5mg/kg b.w (T1); ALA at dose of 60mg/kg b.w (T2) and and group T3 received both of PbAc + ALA at the same doses of above. Blood samples were collected at 0, 28 and 56 day of the experiment, then the sera were collected for determination of testosterone(T) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH). At the end of the experiment, body weight, testes weight and epididymal sperm parameters was studied. Furthermore, histo-morphometric and histopathological study changes were examined. The results revealed a significant decrease in testes weight to body weight ratio, serum testosterone, sperm concentration and motility, diameters of seminiferous tubules, height of seminiferous epithelia and number of Leydig cells, moreover the results showed a significant increase in serum FSH, dead sperm and abnormal sperm morphology in group T1 when compared with the other groups. Comparing to lead acetate treated rats, group T3 showed an improvement at the level of the studied parameters, accompanied with mild congestion in the interstitial tissue with a marked developing proliferation of spermatogenic cells, as well as presence of mature spermatozoa in the seminiferous tubules. In conclusion, subchronic exposure of rats to lead acetate showed an amelioration of all reproductive parameters near to normal values due to the antioxidant effects of ALA and the histological changes of the testes confirmed such change in serum parameters and the beneficial role of ALA.
Highlights
It is well established that main hazard to environmental health is by lead toxicity in animals and all ages of humankind children with long-term exposure at very low levels and animals [1]
The results revealed a significant decrease in testes weight to body weight ratio, serum testosterone, sperm concentration and motility, diameters of seminiferous tubules, height of seminiferous epithelia and number of Leydig cells, the results showed a significant increase in serum follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), dead sperm and abnormal sperm morphology in group T1 when compared with the other groups
One major manifestation of accumulation of lead in the cells is attributed to induce oxidative stress that causing loss the integrity of the cell membrane, mitochondrial dysfunction, deoxyribinucleaic acid (DNA) damage, apoptosis and antioxidant defense systems of cells [3] via increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which may be contributed to an increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) level [4], the disorder of mitochondrial enzymes with a dropped antioxidants level by lead toxicity in spermatozoa resulting in alterations in sperm motility, acrosomal morphology, semen quality and increased tail anomalies [5]
Summary
It is well established that main hazard to environmental health is by lead toxicity in animals and all ages of humankind children with long-term exposure at very low levels and animals [1]. The results revealed a significant decrease in testes weight to body weight ratio, serum testosterone, sperm concentration and motility, diameters of seminiferous tubules, height of seminiferous epithelia and number of Leydig cells, the results showed a significant increase in serum FSH, dead sperm and abnormal sperm morphology in group T1 when compared with the other groups.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
