Launaea taraxacifolia (Willd.) Amin ex C. Jeffrey inhibits oxidative damage and econucleotidase followed by increased cellular ATP in testicular cells of rats exposed to metropolitan polluted river water

Abstract

Abstract Background: Humans are directly/indirectly exposed to hazardous chemicals from the aquatic environment. We investigated the protection of the Launea taraxacifolia methanolic extract (LTME) on the hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenases [(∆5-3β-hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase (∆5-3β-HSD) and the ∆5-17β-hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase (∆5-17β-HSD), testicular 5′-nucleotidase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] activities as well as the key indicators of oxidative stress in germinal epithelial cells of rats induced with surulere polluted river water (SPRW). Methods: The animals were divided into six groups (n=8). Group I was given 1 mL of distilled water only, Group II received 1 mL of SPRW only, Group III received 200 mg/kg LTME before+1 mL of SPRW after, Group IV received 200 mg/kg LTME+1 mL of SPRW, Group V received 1 mL of SPRW before+200 mg/kg LTME after and Group VI received 200 mg/kg LTME only. The treatment was done via oral administration for 28 days. Results: The HPLC results showed the abundance of quercetin and quercitrin. The SPRW increased 5′-nucleotidase with the concomitant decrease of ∆5-3β-HSD, ∆5-17β-HSD and LDH activities in rats exposed in relation to the control. Similarly, the administration of the SPRW caused a systemic oxidative damage along with adverse histopathological changes in germinal epithelial cells. Conclusions: Interestingly, these alterations were differentially reversed by LTME via the elevation of steroidogenic enzymes and cellular ATP.