Sulforaphane response on aluminum-induced oxidative stress, alterations in sperm characterization and testicular histomorphometry in Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: The exposure of male individual to environmental toxicant is regarded as a channel that results in reduced sperm counts and infertility.
 Objective: This study investigated the ameliorative response of Sulforaphane (SFN) on Aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats.
 Materials and Methods: A total of 32 adult male Wistar rats (180-200 gm between 8-10 wk) were divided into four groups (n = 8/each). Group A) received distilled water orally as placebo; Group B) received 100 mg/kgbw AlCl3 only orally; Group C) received 100 mg/kgbw AlCl3 and 100 mg/kgbw SFN orally; and Group D) received 100 mg/kgbw SFN only orally. After 28 days of experiment, animals underwent cervical dislocation, blood serum was obtained for analysis, and testes were harvested for biochemical assays, histology, hormonal profile, and sperm characterization.
 Results: The sperm parameters showed a significant difference within the AlCl3 only group compared with the control and SFN only groups (p = 0.02). However, AlCl3 and SFN co-treatment showed improvement in the motility, viability, and sperm count compared with the AlCl3 only group (p = 0.02). Furthermore, there was a significant decline in the levels of hormones profile and antioxidant status in AlCl3 only group compared to the control and SFN only (p = 0.02). The testicular histoarchitecture of the AlCl3 only group showed shrinkage of seminiferous tubules, spermatogenesis disruption, and empty lumen compared to the control and SFN only groups.
 Conclusion: The present study revealed the ameliorative response of SFN on AlCl3-induced testicular toxicity on serum hormone profiles, antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and histomorphometric analysis through oxidative stress.
 Key words: Sulforaphane, Aluminum trichloride, Oxidative stress, Testis, Histology.

Therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of bioactive active component of Ageratum conyzoides on the ovarian-uterine and hypophysis-gonadal axis in rat with polycystic ovary syndrome: Histomorphometric evaluation and biochemical assessment

“…The anti-inflammatory activity of AGC, which improved the low-grade inflammation state and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-18, and IL-6) in this study, might explain why AGC intervention dramatically reduced the levels of inflammation components in PCOS rats. The imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, as well as the increased creation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), is referred to as oxidative stress [ 82 , 83 ]. In PCOS, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by mononuclear cells (MNCs) in response to hyperglycemia increased, regardless of weight [ 84 ].…”

Dietary Egg White Hydrolysate Prevents Male Reproductive Dysfunction after Long-Term Exposure to Aluminum in Rats

“…Drinking silicon-rich mineral water (30 mg/L, 1 L/ day) appears to facilitate the excretion of Al from the body and improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients [70]. In the reproductive system, the natural active product found in crucifers, such as broccoli sprouts and sulforaphane, showed the potential to lower AlCl 3 -induced testicular toxicity in rats [71]. Furthermore, several different sources of antioxidant substances such as vitamin C [72], selenium-rich yeast [73], Citrullus lanatus seed ethanol extract [74], tyrosyl (an antioxidant present in olive oil) [75], and curcumin [76] show protective effects against reproductive Al toxicity probably due to their antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties.…”