Comparative Evaluation of Native and Liposomal Curcumin Against Acute Reproductive Toxicity Induced by Cadmium Chloride in Male Mice

Exposure to cadmium chloride (Cd) is linked to reproductive disorders. Curcumin (CUR), a traditional medicinal compound, has been considered for its therapeutic properties. The present study evaluated the antioxidant effects of CUR and liposomal CUR on Cd-induced testicular toxicity. Mice were exposed to Cd (2.5 mg/kg as a single intraperitoneal dose), Cd + CUR at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, and Cd + liposomal CUR (15 mg/kg) orally for 7 days. At the end of the treatment period, histological studies, sperm parameters, oxidative stress parameters, and blood–testis barrier (BTB) integrity were performed. Cd-induced histopathological deleterious changes in the testis and epididymis tissues increased BTB permeability. It caused a significant decrease in sperm count and viability (p < 0.001), as well as an increase in sperm abnormality (p < 0.001) and a reduction in the antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.001), and increased lipid peroxidation (LPO; p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Co-treatment of CUR with Cd dose-dependently and significantly attenuated Cd’s destructive effects on sperm and oxidative stress parameters at 50 mg/kg (p < 0.01) and 100, 200 mg/kg (p < 0.001). Although the liposomal form of CUR showed protective effects against some Cd-induced changes, such as sperm viability and count (p < 0.001), it did not significantly improve LPO and GSH levels. The results indicated that native CUR prevented Cd-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice by suppressing oxidative injury, and there was no superior effect of liposomal CUR over native CUR.