Nutraceuticals: A New Challenge against Cadmium-Induced Testicular Injury

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread heavy metal and a ubiquitous environmental toxicant. For the general population, the principal causes of Cd exposure are cigarette smoking, air pollution and contaminated water and food consumption, whereas occupational exposure usually involves humans working in mines or manufacturing batteries and pigments that utilize Cd. The aim of the present review is to evaluate recent data regarding the mechanisms of Cd-induced testicular structural and functional damages and the state of the art of the therapeutic approaches. Additionally, as the current literature demonstrates convincing associations between diet, food components and men’s sexual health, a coherent nutraceutical supplementation may be a new valid therapeutic strategy for both the prevention and alleviation of Cd-induced testicular injury. The toxic effects on testes induced by Cd include many specific mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. As no specific therapy for the prevention or treatment of the morbidity and mortality associated with Cd exposure is available, the development of new therapeutic agents is requested. Dietary strategies and the use of nutraceuticals, particularly abundant in fresh fruits, beans, vegetables and grains, typical of the Mediterranean diet, are recommended against Cd-induced testicular injury.

Structural Characterization of a Pleurotus sajor-caju Polysaccharide and Its Neuroprotection Related to the Inhibition of Oxidative Stress

“…Many studies showed that the rational intake of typical plant-based eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean-style diet and some antioxidant/anti-inflammatory compounds, including COX/LOX modulators and isoflavones, could be used in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases [ 52 , 53 ]. Due to low toxicity and high pharmacological activity, Pleurotus sajor-caju polysaccharides, in combination with antioxidant compounds, could be added to nutraceuticals, which provides a possible further strategy in the therapy of neuroinflammatory diseases.…”

Beneficial Effect of Methanolic Extract of Frankincense (Boswellia Sacra) on Testis Mediated through Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

“…Furthermore, antioxidants are also recommended for the treatment of infertility to protect testis from endogenous oxidants and it has been reported that consumption of antioxidant supplements by men may increase the live birth rate in infertile couples [ 26 ]. Nutraceuticals are being increasingly recommended to prevent testicular injury due to toxicants [ 27 ]. B. sacra is a well-known antioxidant and it is known to protect several organs against oxidative damage both in vivo and in vitro [ 28 , 29 ].…”

The traditional Chinese medicine Qiangjing tablet prevents blood‐testis barrier injury induced by CdCl2 through the PI3K/Akt/Rictor signaling pathway

“…[14][15][16] As there is no particular medication for the prevention or treatment of the morbidity and mortality associated with Cd exposure, new therapeutic agents are required. 14,[17][18][19] Qiangjing tablets (QJPs) were developed by the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, are composed of a number of traditional Chinese herbs that help increase testicular function and sperm motility. [17][18][19] We have used QJP in male infertility treatment for over 20 years.…”

“…14,[17][18][19] Qiangjing tablets (QJPs) were developed by the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, are composed of a number of traditional Chinese herbs that help increase testicular function and sperm motility. [17][18][19] We have used QJP in male infertility treatment for over 20 years. QJP may improve the quality of sperm in asthenospermic rats by inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress.…”

“…The mechanism by which Cd damages male reproductive function is connected to increased oxidative stress toxicity and apoptosis 14–16 . As there is no particular medication for the prevention or treatment of the morbidity and mortality associated with Cd exposure, new therapeutic agents are required 14,17–19 …”