Therapeutic Potency of Prodigiosin Conjugated with Silver-nanoparticles in Male Rats Exposed to Cadmium Chloride-induced Testicular Toxicity

Abstract

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a frequent environmental toxin that causes harm to humans, animals, and plants. In the current Study, the therapeutic effects of Prodigiosin (a red pigment generated by Serratia marcescens strain) conjugated silver nanoparticles (PG-AgNP2) on cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced testicular toxicity in rats were assessed. Methods: CdCl2 (6.5 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) into male albino rats followed by an i.p. injection of PG-AgNP2 (3 mg/kg) for seven days. Results: As a result of Cd exposure, a considerable decline in the amount of serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus was observed. In addition, injection with CdCl2 caused an increase in residual Cd levels in the testis and a decrease in serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone. Furthermore, testicular tissue suffered from considerable oxidative damage due to CdCl2 exposure. Malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were increased by CdCl2, and natural antioxidant proteins such as glutathione and its derivative enzymes, GPx, GRx, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were less abundant. In addition, the inflammatory mediators (TNF-α) and (IL-6) were markedly increased as a result of Cd exposure. Testicular cells exposed to CdCl2 underwent apoptosis, as shown by increased Bax and caspase 3 expression and decreased Bcl2 expression. Our research indicates that PG-AgNP2 may function as a natural remedy to ameliorate harm in the hypothalamic pituitary testicular axis associated with CdCl2 exposure.