Effect of Melatonin and Ginseng on rat testis and sperm quality against cadmium toxicity via inhibiting oxidative stress and autophagy pathways

IF 3.6 3区医学 Q2 BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology Pub Date : 2025-02-04 DOI:10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127614

Nashwa Barakat , Mona A. Alkhen , Yomna Khater , Salma M. Khirallah

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background and aim

Infertility constitutes a significant global health concern. Cadmium (Cd), a hazardous element, exerts deleterious effects on the reproductive system. Consequently, it is essential to devise novel pharmaceutical strategies to mitigate this adverse effect. Melatonin is linked to the regulation of spermatogenesis across several animals. Ginseng is recognized for its antioxidant capabilities and has shown superior clinical efficacy in male reproductive health. This study aimed to inspect the preventive effects of Melatonin (Mel) and Ginseng (Gin) on the quality of epididymal sperm, as well as testicular function and structure, in rats subjected to cadmium exposure.

Methods

Forty rats were allocated into four equal groups: Control group, Cadmium group: Rats were injected with 2.0 mg/kg, Melatonin group: animals were injected with 10 mg/kg and Ginseng group: Rats were oral gavage with 100 mg/kg. All treatments were maintained for 8 weeks. Testes were taken for histopathological examinations, sperm parameters analysis, biochemical and molecular studies.

Results

The results revealed a significant decrease of sperm parameters in Cd group compared to the control group. Nevertheless, treatment with Mel and Gin significantly increased sperm concentration, motility, and viability compared to Cd group (p < 0.05). Besides, Cd treatment caused a significant decrease in SOD and CAT activities and an increase in NO and MDA levels which was significantly improved with Mel and Gin administration (p < 0.05). Apoptosis, inflammation and autophagy markers were significantly inhibited with Mel and Gin treatment.

Conclusions

Melatonin and Ginseng reduce testicular toxicity induced by Cd, via inhibiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy providing novel insights into combating cadmium toxicity.

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来源期刊

Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 医学-内分泌学与代谢

CiteScore

6.60

自引率

2.90%

发文量

202

审稿时长

85 days

期刊介绍： The journal provides the reader with a thorough description of theoretical and applied aspects of trace elements in medicine and biology and is devoted to the advancement of scientific knowledge about trace elements and trace element species. Trace elements play essential roles in the maintenance of physiological processes. During the last decades there has been a great deal of scientific investigation about the function and binding of trace elements. The Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology focuses on the description and dissemination of scientific results concerning the role of trace elements with respect to their mode of action in health and disease and nutritional importance. Progress in the knowledge of the biological role of trace elements depends, however, on advances in trace elements chemistry. Thus the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology will include only those papers that base their results on proven analytical methods. Also, we only publish those articles in which the quality assurance regarding the execution of experiments and achievement of results is guaranteed.