The protective effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on testicular oxidative stress in lead-induced toxicity mediated by Cyp19 gene / estradiol level

<p>Umbelliferone Inhibits Spermatogenic Defects and Testicular Injury in Lead-Intoxicated Rats by Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Improving Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling</p>

“…57 Our findings are in agreement with others who reported downregulation of testicular steroidogenic enzymes by Pb exposure. 23,49,58 The reduced levels of these hormones in conjunction with the decreased expression of steroidogenic genes confirm the toxicity of Pb on endocrine and reproductive organs. 13,48 Interestingly, UMB prevented the negative impact of Pb on the pituitary-gonadal axis evidenced by the elevated serum FSH, LH and testosterone levels.…”

“…Previous reports confirmed the significant harmful effects of Pb poisoning on male reproductive functions, 14,15,45 and several studies have been escalating to find better and effective natural compounds to mitigate Pb-induced testicular damage. 11,23,46 Studies from our lab as well as other investigators have reported the protective effect of UMB against multiple toxicants in different organs, including liver, brain and heart [24][25][26][27][28][29] and testicular ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rodents. 47 However, the protective effect of UMB on Pb-induced testicular injury has not been reported yet.…”

“…In addition, Pb-exposed rats exhibited a significant reduction in semen quality (sperm count, motility, viability and normality), which is consistent with the findings of other investigators. 11,23 These findings are attributed to the ability of Pb to cross the blood-testis barrier and accumulate in the testicular tissue, thereby affecting the normal spermatogenesis. 23,52 It has been known since decades that Pb-intoxication can markedly delay spermiation, produce immature spermatogenic cells, 53 and disrupt the epididymal functions resulting in asthenospermia, oligospermia, and teratospermia.…”

“…11,23 These findings are attributed to the ability of Pb to cross the blood-testis barrier and accumulate in the testicular tissue, thereby affecting the normal spermatogenesis. 23,52 It has been known since decades that Pb-intoxication can markedly delay spermiation, produce immature spermatogenic cells, 53 and disrupt the epididymal functions resulting in asthenospermia, oligospermia, and teratospermia. 54 There is evidence that exposure to Pb decreases the weight and the volume of the testis and increases the chance of male infertility.…”

“…Several studies have demonstrated the protective effects of some natural antioxidant compounds against Pb-induced testicular damage. 9,11,23 For instance, previous studies reported the ability of umbelliferone (UMB), also known as 7-hydroxycoumarin, to scavenge free radicals and increase the activities of antioxidant defensive systems in multiple organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, and brain. [24][25][26] In addition, we have shown previously that UMB can significantly protect against cellular oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide, carbon tetrachloride and ammonium chloride and boost the antioxidant defensive mechanisms.…”