Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-reprotoxic effects of kaempferol and vitamin E on lead acetate-induced testicular toxicity in male rats

Abstract

Background: The heavy metals cause repro-toxicity via oxidative stress and suppress the antioxidant enzymes. Kaempferol and vitamin E possess antioxidant properties that can counteract the deleterious heavy metals effects. Aim: The present study was directed to investigate the protective role of kaempferol, alone or with vitamin E, on testicular toxicity mediated by lead acetate in male rats. Methods: Fifty adult male rats were randomly grouped into five groups (n=10): the control group received 5ml distilled water, and the Pb group was I.P injected with 20 mg/kg of lead acetate. Pb + Vit. E group received Pb with 100 mg/kg of vitamin E, Pb + KAF group received Pb with 50 mg/kg of kaempferol, Pb + KAF + Vit. E group received Pb with kaempferol and vitamin E for six weeks. Results: The testicular levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, steroidogenic enzyme, serum testosterone, FSH, interleukin -10, and sperm function were significantly decreased in the Pb group compared with all experimental groups. These parameters were significantly elevated in Pb + KAF + Vit. E group compared to other experimental groups. Lead acetate caused elevation in testicular malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor kappa, and sperm abnormality compared to all treatment groups. All these parameters were significantly declined in the Pb + KAF + Vit. E group and Pb + KAF group compared with the Pb group. The fold changes of pituitary FSHβ, GnRHr, and LHβ, and testicular CYP11A1, LHr, and FHr gene expression were significantly upregulated in Pb + KAF + Vit. E group compared with all experimental groups. Additionally, KAF + Vit. E have the potential to improve the testicular regeneration in seminiferous tubules, Leydig, and Sertoli cells. Conclusion: Administration of kaempferol alone or with vitamin E can mitigate lead acetate-induced testicular toxicity in rats via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current research is the first to demonstrate that kaempferol can exert a preventive role in testicular dysfunction.