Impact of Quercetin and Omega-3 Fatty-Acid on Lead-Induced Alterations in Reproductive Parameters in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Exposure to environmental toxins like Lead has been associated with male infertility. Whether or not potent antioxidants like omega 3 Fatty acids and/or quercetin could reduce the effect of lead on male sexual functions deserve scientific investigation. Thirty-five (35) male albino Wistar rats were assigned into 7 groups: Group 1 (normal control), Group 2 (sham-control1), Group 3 (sham-control 2), Group 4 (Lead group), Group 5 (Lead + Omega-3), Group 6 (Lead + Quercetin) and Group 7 (Lead + Omega-3 + Quercetin). Lead was given orally at 20mg/kg bwt, quercetin 20mg/kg bwt s.c, Omega-3 14.29mg/kg bwt orally. The animals all had free access to rat food and water for 56 days. After which they were sacrificed, and semen and blood samples were collected for assay. The results showed no significant difference between normal control group and sham controls. Sperm function parameters (sperm count, motile, viable and normal sperms) in the lead treated group was significantly reduced compared to the control. Omega 3 and/or quercetin administration reversed the reductions in sperm function parameters to near control levels. Hormone levels (LH and Testosterone) were significantly reduced in lead group compared to the normal control but were reversed after quercetin and omega 3 treatment. However, there was no significant difference in the FSH level among experimental groups. Conclusively, omega 3 and/or quercetin ameliorates the harmful effects of lead on reproductive parameters by improving sperm functions (total sperm count, viability, motility, and morphology). A combination of both quercetin and omega 3 provided better ameliorative effect than either omega 3 or quercetin.