Title:Effect of Visnagin on Altered Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis, and Testicular Injury Induced by the Heavy Metal Lead
Volume: 24
Issue: 6
Author(s): Jamaan S. Ajarem*, Ahmad K. Hegazy, Gamal A. Allam, Ahmed A. Allam, Saleh N. Maodaa and Ayman M. Mahmoud*
Affiliation:
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451,Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514,Egypt
Keywords:
Pituitary-gonadal axis, lead, ROS, coumarins, cytokines, DNA damage, apoptosis.
Abstract:
Background: Lead (Pb) is an environmental pollutant causing serious health problems,
including impairment of reproduction. Visnagin (VIS) is a furanochromone with promising antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory effects; however, its protective efficacy against Pb toxicity has not
been investigated.
Objective: This study evaluated the protective effect of VIS on Pb reproductive toxicity, impaired
steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, oxidative stress and inflammation.
Methods: Rats received VIS (30 or 60 mg/kg) and 50 mg/kg lead acetate for 3 weeks and blood
and testes samples were collected.
Results: Pb intoxication impaired the pituitary-testicular axis (PTA) manifested by the decreased
serum levels of gonadotropins and testosterone. Pb decreased sperm count, motility and viability,
increased sperm abnormalities, and downregulated the steroidogenesis markers StAR, CYP17A1,
3β-HSD and 17β-HSD in the testis of rats. VIS significantly increased serum gonadotropins and testosterone,
alleviated sperm parameters and upregulated steroidogenesis. In addition, VIS decreased
pro-inflammatory cytokines, testicular lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation, downregulated
Bax, and enhanced antioxidants and Bcl-2.
Conclusion: These results demonstrate the protective effect of VIS against Pb reproductive toxicity
in rats. VIS improved serum gonadotropins and testosterone, enhanced steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis,
and attenuated oxidative injury, inflammation and apoptosis. Therefore, VIS is a
promising candidate for the protection against Pb-induced reproduction impairment.