Evaluation of testicular protective effects of Prunus amygdalus and zinc against cadmium induced toxicity in rats.

Cadmium (Cd) and other dense metals are highly toxic and reported to induce infertility through testicular apoptosis and free radicals production. Cd is a widespread pollutant in the atmosphere due to the combustion of automobiles and industries. Cd → ROS ↑ → Damage. This study assessed the harmful impacts of Cd on the reproductive health of humans and all other animals. Combined and individual ameliorative influence of Zinc (Zn) and Prunus amygdalus (almonds) on Cd-administered testicular toxicity in male albino Wistar rats was also reported in this research. Rats were divided into five groups: standard, Cd, Cd + Zn + P. amygdalus, Cd + Zn, and Cd + P. amygdalus groups. Rats were treated with 50 mg/kg of CdCl₂ once in a week for 28 days; 17 mg/kg/day ZnCl₂ and 400 mg/kg/day P. amygdalus were given as a protective measure after 2 h of Cd dosage. Cd toxicity caused a considerable decrease (P < 0.001) in body weight, testicular weight, level of testosterone, sperm count, sperm motility, count of testicular germ cells, Leydig's cells, and average cross-sectional area (ACSA) of germinal tubules and lumen of germinal tubules. On the other hand, Cd + Zn + P. amygdalus rats significantly improved (P < 0.001) the testicular parameters. Cd + Zn partially improved (P < 0.001) the fertility of rats, and Cd + P. amygdalus slightly improved (P < 0.05) the gonadal health of male rats. Zn and P. amygdalus have a synergistic effect over Cd-intoxication of testes. Out of Zn and P. amygdalus, Zn is more effective in mitigating the toxicity of Cd, while combined supplementation is much more effective than individual dosages of protective measures. Zn + Almond → Antioxidants ↑ → Repair.