Zinc and α-tocopherol protect the antral follicles and endogenous antioxidants of female albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) against lead toxicity

Abstract

BackgroundLead impairs female reproductive health because it can induce oxidative stress. Zinc as an antioxidant produces an enzyme system that helps neutralize free radicals. α-Tocopherol has an antagonistic effect that reduces oxidative stress. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of zinc (Zn) and α-tocopherol on the ovarian endogenous antioxidants and antral follicles of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to lead acetate (Pb(C2H3O2)2). MethodsTwenty-five female Wistar rats were divided into five groups, namely groups K (control), P0, P1, P2, and P3. Following exposure and treatment for 21 days with different combinations, the albino rats were necropsied, and their ovaries were removed for subsequent histopathological preparations and endogenous antioxidant analysis. Observations were made on the ovary, including an antral follicle count and diameter calculations. Analysis of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels (560 nm wavelength) and malondialdehyde MDA-TBA (532 nm wavelength) were performed by a spectrophotometer. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and least significant difference (LSD) test with the SPSS V24 software. ResultsThe highest SOD enzyme expression in the albino rat ovaries was in P0 (17.23 ± 5.34), and the lowest was in P3 (4.21 ± 0.76). The lowest MDA level was observed in the control group (K) and P3 compared to the other groups. The highest average antral follicle count and diameter were found in the albino rats exposed to 1.5 mg/kg BW lead acetate, and treated with 0.54 mg/kg BW zinc sulfate and 100 mg/kg BW α-tocopherol (group P3) compared to the other groups. The mechanisms of action of zinc and α-tocopherol work synergistically to decrease free radicals and ovarian damage. ConclusionThe results showed that a combination of 0.54 mg/kg BW zinc (Zn) and 100 mg/kg BW α-tocopherol can maintain the number and diameter of the antral follicles and reduce ovarian SOD expression and MDA levels in albino rats exposed to lead acetate.