Bromelain prevented nickel-induced testicular toxicity via suppression of sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm quality alterations in rats

Abstract

This study investigated the protective effect of bromelain on sperm quality and DNA, antioxidant system and testis structure in rats with experimentally induced nickel toxicity. Four groups, each of 10 male Wistar albino rats, were established. One was maintained for control purposes, while the other three received bromelain alone, nickel alone and nickel+bromelain. While bromelain was administered by oral route (20 mg/kg), nickel sulfate was given intraperitoneally (20 mg/kg) at alternate days. Nickel exposure significantly reduced relative testicular weight and seminiferous tubule diameter. Nickel exposure also led to significantly decreased antioxidant levels, as well as a negative impact on sperm quality. On the other hand, nickel+bromelain administration increased sperm motility, sperm counts, viable sperm percentage and antioxidant levels, and reduced sperm DNA fragmentation. It was concluded that the administration of bromelain which has antioxidant effect to nickel-intoxicated rats prevented damage to sperm quality and DNA, and the antioxidant system.