Reproductive Injury in Male Rats from Acrylamide Toxicity and Potential Protection by Earthworm Methanolic Extract

Abstract

This study examined the protective effect of earthworm extract (EE) on acrylamide (ACR)-induced reproductive dysfunction. Forty male rats were allocated into four groups (n = 10). The G I (control) group received distilled water (D.W.). The G II group received ACR (5 mg kg−1 B.W. in D.W.) 5 days per week, orally, for 3 weeks. The G III group was administered EE (300 mg kg−1 B.W in D.W.) 5 days per week, orally, for 3 weeks. The G IV group was pretreated with EE for 3 weeks and then co-treated with EE and ACR for an additional 3 weeks. ACR decreased the number of sperm, sperm viability, and total motility. However, it increased testosterone levels with no effect on the FSH or LH levels. Moreover, ACR increased the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO). Meanwhile, it decreased the glutathione (GSH) concentration in testicular tissues. Notably, the expression levels of p53 and Ki-67 were increased in the degenerated spermatogenic cells and in the hyperplastic Leydig cells of the testis of the ACR-treated group, respectively. Acrylamide induced alterations in the testicular tissue architecture. Interestingly, EE restored the sperm parameters and recovered the testicular histological structures and the biochemical alterations induced by ACR. In conclusion, earthworm extract ameliorated ACR-induced reproductive toxicity via restoring the testicular antioxidant balance and suppressing p53 and Ki-67 expressions in testicular tissues.

The Effects of Glutathione on Clinically Essential Fertility Parameters in a Bleomycin Etoposide Cisplatin Chemotherapy Model

“…In a recent study evaluating the possible protective effect of earthworm methanolic extract (EE) on impaired reproductive functions caused by acrylamide (ACR) toxicity, ACR application was shown to reduce testicular GSH, and decrease the sperm count, motility, and viability. On the other hand, the application of EE in combination with ACR protected testicular GSH levels [ 55 ]. Although there are differences regarding GSH concentration, these studies support evidence on the beneficial effects of GSH on protection from reproductive toxicity.…”

Zinc ameliorates acrylamide-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in testicular cells via Nrf2/HO-1/NfkB and Bax/Bcl2 signaling pathway

“…Acrylamide is produced from the combination of sugars and amino acids (especially asparagine) naturally found in food [ 5 ]. Acrylamide has been linked with several health challenges, such as infertility [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Effects of naringin on oxidative stress, inflammation, some reproductive parameters, and apoptosis in acrylamide‐induced testis toxicity in rat

“…Studies have shown that the administration of 50 mg/kg ACR to male rats for 14 days has a genotoxic effect 4 . In another study, it was determined that 5 mg/kg ACR administration to rats weighing 120–150 g for 4 weeks had effects such as a decrease in testosterone level and Leydig cell numbers, apoptosis in testicular cells, causing giant cells, and delaying cell cycle in the body 5 . In another study, it was determined that the application of ACR at a dose of 10 mg/kg to rats weighing 190–220 g for 60 days caused damage to the testicular tissue 6 …”

“…150 g for 4 weeks had effects such as a decrease in testosterone level and Leydig cell numbers, apoptosis in testicular cells, causing giant cells, and delaying cell cycle in the body. 5 In another study, it was determined that the application of ACR at a dose of 10 mg/kg to rats weighing 190-220 g for 60 days caused damage to the testicular tissue. 6 For this reason, many studies aim to reduce the possible side effects of ACR and some toxic agents on reproduction by using raw and purified forms of natural herbal products.…”