Abstract
This study examined the effects of cadmium (Cd) on the testes of rats and the efficacy of fluted pumpkin seeds (FPS) supplementation. Twenty-four adult male rats (150–190 g) were allocated into four groups. I: control; corn oil (2 ml/kg); II: Cd (24 mg/kg); III: Cd (24 mg/kg) + FPS (25 mg/kg); IV: Cd (24 mg/kg) + FPS (250 mg/kg). After 44 days, the rats were killed and testes and serum were isolated for experimental analysis. Cd treatment significantly increased the concentrations of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and abnormal histological features (Sertoli cells-only tubules, atrophy, spermatogenesis arrest, and a reduced Johnsen’s score). It also decreased the antioxidant defense of the testes and serum testosterone concentration. FPS extracts at both doses were able to recover spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis and inhibit oxidative stress caused by Cd.
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