Inhibition of lead acetate-induced testicular dysfunction in male wistar rats: A possible role for combined extracts of Syzygium aromaticum and Xylopia aethiopica seeds

Background

Lead acetate poisoning induces testicular dysfunction through the enhancement of oxidative stress and morphological abnormalities in the testes. Phytoconstituents exhibit antioxidative effects that enhance sperm parameters. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of a combination extract of Syzygium aromaticum and Xylopia aethiopica seeds (1:1 ratio) in mitigating lead-induced testicular dysfunction in Wistar rats.

Methods

Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=5): (i) Normal Control (NC), (ii) Lead Acetate Control (PbC), (iii) Lead Acetate + 200 mg/Kg (Pb-200), and (iv) Lead Acetate + 400 mg/Kg (Pb-400). Groups ii-iv received 60 mg/kg of lead acetate orally, followed by the administration of the extract after a 30-minute interval per day for 28 days. Subsequently, relative weight, testicular weight, sperm parameters, reproductive hormones, malondialdehyde, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid profile were assessed.

Results

Testicular and associated weight exhibited a substantial reduction (P<0.05) in NC compared to PbC. A comparable trend was observed in Pb-200 and Pb-400 relative to NC. The percentage of aberrant morphology considerably rose (P<0.05) in PbC and decreased in Pb-200 and Pb-400. A reduction in pH was observed in PbC compared to NC and the treatment groups. Sperm count, motility, and viability were decreased (P<0.05) in PbC compared to Pb-200 and Pb-400.Likewise, serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and glutathione exhibited a similar pattern. A notable reduction (P<0.05) in malondialdehyde, triacylglycerol, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels was seen in PbC compared to the treatment groups and NC. A reduction in these parameters was recorded in Pb-400 compared to Pb-200. Moreover, the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase exhibited a substantial reduction (P<0.05) in PbC compared to Pb-200, Pb-400, and NC. The activity of these enzymes was elevated in Pb-400 relative to Pb-200.

Conclusion

The combined extracts of S. aromaticum and X. aethiopica seeds mitigate lead acetate-induced testicular damage in Wistar rats through their antioxidant capabilities.