α‐Lipoic acid inhibits testicular and epididymal oxidative damage and improves fertility efficacy in arsenic‐intoxicated rats

Abstract

The present study evaluates the protective effect of α-lipoic acid (LA) against arsenic-induced testicular and epididymal oxidative damage in rats. Arsenic caused significant reduction in the reproductive organ weights, serum testosterone levels, testicular daily sperm count, epididymal sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability, and sperm membrane integrity. Significant reduction in the activity levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels with a concomitant increase in the lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content in the testis and the cauda epididymis of arsenic-exposed rats. Arsenic intoxication also enhanced the testicular caspase-3 mRNA levels, disorganization of testicular and cauda epididymal architecture as well as increased arsenic content in the testis and the cauda epididymis of rats. Arsenic exposure also deteriorated fertility ability in male rats over controls. Conversely, α-LA negated the testicular and cauda epididymal oxidative stress and restored the male reproductive health in arsenic-exposed rats.

Transgenerational effects in DNA methylation, genotoxicity and reproductive phenotype by chronic arsenic exposure

“…However, a significant increase was observed in the F2 and F3 generations of the arsenic lineage. Some studies have reported no change in testis weight 62 , 63 besides a decrease in the epididymis weight 64 after exposure to arsenic in rats, on the contrary, an increase in testicles and epididymis weight has also been reported 65 ; in this study, a decrease in the weight of the epididymis was observed in the F0 generation and an increase and decrease in the F2 and F3 generations, respectively, following the arsenic lineage. As far as we know, there is no evidence of the transgenerational effects of arsenic in the body weight and of various organs, also not related to exposures to other metals, at least in mammals, however, there is evidence related to another environmental toxicants.…”

Casein‐ and pea‐enriched high‐protein diet can take care of the reprotoxic effects of arsenic in male rats

“…This study reiterates that arsenic treatment threatened the male reproductive systems in the rat at several levels. At the organ level, arsenic toxicity decreases the weight of the testis and accessory sex glands, which is in accord with the previous report (Prathima, Pavani, Sukeerthi, & Sainath, 2018). At the spermatogonia level, arsenic decreases the count, motility and viability, and disrupts the plasma membrane functional integrity and DNA with deformed morphology.…”

Amelioration of cyclosporine‐induced testicular toxicity by carvedilol and/or alpha‐lipoic acid: Role of TGF‐β1, the proinflammatory cytokines, Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway and apoptosis

“…Eid et al 7 reported that administration of carvedilol significantly improves food intake, testicular weight and hormonal profile and ameliorates the testicular dysfunction induced by cytotoxic drugs. Also, Prathima et al 15 suggested that alpha‐lipoic acid inhibits testicular and epididymal oxidative damage, improves fertility efficacy and affects the testicular weight.…”