The ameliorative effects of L-arginine on testicular and genotoxic toxicity induced by chronic exposure to cadmium chloride in male murine models

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal known to cause DNA damage, genetic alterations, and reproductive issues in males through free radical production. This study investigates L-arginine, an amino acid with antioxidant and metal-chelating properties, in mitigating Cd-induced genetic and reproductive toxicity in male mice. Thirty-six male mice were divided into six groups: a control group, a Cd group (2 mg/kg), three groups receiving Cd (2 mg/kg) combined with L-arginine (50, 100, 200 mg/kg), and a positive control group receiving vitamin C (500 mg/kg) with Cd. After 42 days, oxidative stress markers, including ROS, protein carbonyl, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione levels, were assessed in bone marrow and testicular tissue. Sperm parameters and histopathological evaluations of testes were also conducted. Chronic Cd exposure significantly reduced glutathione levels and increased oxidative stress markers in both tissues. Sperm count and motility decreased, while abnormal sperm increased. Conversely, L-arginine treatment notably reduced oxidative stress markers, improved antioxidant levels, sperm quality, and testicular histopathology compared to the Cd group. Additionally, Cd exposure increased the number of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs), which decreased with L-arginine treatment, enhancing the PCE/(PCE+normochromatic erythrocytes) ratio. These findings suggest that L-arginine effectively mitigates Cd-induced toxicity. The results indicate that L-arginine has significant protective effects against Cd-induced reproductive and bone marrow toxicity.