Ivermectin and Allium cepa Protect against Cadmium-Induced Ovarian and Uterine Damage in Adult Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Female reproductive organs are more susceptible to the risk of increased cadmium accumulation. Ivermectin is a known therapeutic drug in general medicine, while Allium cepa possesses antioxidant ability. This study investigated the effects of Ivermectin and Allium cepa on cadmium-induced ovarian and uterine damage in adult Wistar rats. Methodology: Twenty-Eight adult female Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups. Group (A); control group, Group (B); treated with 1.2 mg/kg b.w of Ivermectin, Group (C); treated with 1.2 mg/kg BW of Ivermectin and 2 mg/kg BW Cadmium respectively, Group (D); treated with 2 mg/kg BW Cadmium, Group (E); treated with 2 mg/kg BW Cadmium and 1.5 ml Allium cepa respectively, and Group (F); treated with 1.5 ml Allium cepa. The administration was done orogastrically and daily for four weeks. Animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation twenty- four hours after the last administration, Ovary and Uterus excised following abdominal incision, tissues for histological observation fixed in Bouins’ fluid for H/E stain, Masson trichrome, fuelgen stain, and toluidine blue stain respectively. Samples for enzymes assay were homogenized in 5% sucrose solution for lipid peroxidation using; MDA and the antioxidant enzymes using SOD and CAT. Result: Cadmium treatment exerted oxidative stress, elevated the enzyme markers for oxidative damage in the ovary and uterus, and increased lipid peroxidation leading to cell membrane damage. Histological alterations, degeneration of ovarian follicles, and loss of endometrial lining characterized the animals exposed to cadmium. Allium cepa increased the antioxidant enzymes; SOD and CAT while lowering the MDA activities in Cadmium-induced oxidative stress. Histological integrity of the ovary and uterus was maintained; follicular development was evident at various stages, and the endometrial lining integrity was maintained. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the protective role of Allium cepa and Ivermectin against cadmium toxicity on the reproductive organs in female adult Wistar rats