Therapeutic effects of fluted pumpkin seeds on cadmium-induced testicular injury

Abstract

This study examined the effects of cadmium (Cd) on the testes of rats and the efficacy of fluted pumpkin seeds (FPS) supplementation. Twenty-four adult male rats (150–190 g) were allocated into four groups. I: control; corn oil (2 ml/kg); II: Cd (24 mg/kg); III: Cd (24 mg/kg) + FPS (25 mg/kg); IV: Cd (24 mg/kg) + FPS (250 mg/kg). After 44 days, the rats were killed and testes and serum were isolated for experimental analysis. Cd treatment significantly increased the concentrations of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and abnormal histological features (Sertoli cells-only tubules, atrophy, spermatogenesis arrest, and a reduced Johnsen’s score). It also decreased the antioxidant defense of the testes and serum testosterone concentration. FPS extracts at both doses were able to recover spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis and inhibit oxidative stress caused by Cd.

Keywords:

• Fluted pumpkin seeds
• cadmium
• testicular damage
• spermatogenesis
• antioxidant system

Author contributions

OEE and SOA designed the research, performed the research, and wrote the paper. SOA analyzed data and approved the final version of the paper for publication.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.