Disulfiram partially improves oxidative but not androgen status in rats exposed to cadmium

Abstract

We investigated the effect of disulfiram (DSF) on reproductive toxicity induced by subchronic exposure to cadmium (Cd). We examined the redox status and systemic testosterone changes in the testes and plasma of Cd-treated male Wistar rats. Rats were treated with 1 mg CdCl 2 /kg body weight (bw)/day (intraperitoneal administration) for 42 days; in the second experimental group, rats were given 178.5 mg DSF/kg bw/day by oral gavage for 21 days; in the third group, after administration of Cd for 21 days, DSF treatment was introduced on day 22 and lasted until day 42, with continuous Cd intake. Each experimental group had a matching control: untreated rats, rats that received for 21 days olive oil, the solvent for DSF; rats that started with olive oil intake from days 22-42. Exposure of rats to DSF modulated the oxidative status in the testes; thus, coexposure increased the Cd-induced reduction in total superoxide dismutase (tSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and total glutathione-S-transferase (tGST) activities, and lowered the Cd-increased superoxide anion radical (O 2 •-) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. DSF did not affect testosterone production diminished by Cd, as Leydig cells, once impaired by Cd, could not be reactivated by DSF.