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African Journal of Urology

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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Cytokines | Original Research

Ameliorative potential of the quercetin on lead-induced testicular damage: morphohistometric and biochemical analysis

Author: Hesham N. Mustafa

Published in: African Journal of Urology | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid known for its potent antioxidant properties, has been investigated for its potential in counteracting the harmful effects of lead (Pb) toxicity, which induces apoptosis and oxidative damage in various human tissues. This study aims to assess the reparative effects of quercetin on lead-induced testicular damage.

Methods

Four groups, each comprising ten adult male albino rats, were randomly assigned as follows: Quercetin group, Pb group, Pb + Quercetin group, and control group. All treatments were administered orally via gavage daily for a duration of 30 days. Evaluation of sex hormone levels (serum testosterone, FSH, and LH), cytokines and inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1), lead concentration, oxidative and antioxidant stress markers (superoxide anion [O₂⁻], MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH), and sperm characteristics were carried out.

Results

The results demonstrated a significant decline in sex hormones and antioxidants, accompanied by an increase in lead concentrations, cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress indicators (O₂⁻, MDA), while SOD, CAT, and GSH levels were reduced. The Pb-intoxicated group exhibited a substantial increase in dead and abnormal sperm, along with significant reductions in sperm concentration and motility. Morphometrically, a marked decrease was observed in spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, spermatids, and sertoli cells per seminiferous tubule, as well as epithelial height. Furthermore, coadministration of quercetin exhibited notable benefits. It significantly elevated testosterone levels (P < 0.001), testicular SOD, CAT, and GSH activities, while decreasing MDA levels (P < 0.001). Quercetin also mitigated the deleterious effects of lead toxicity on sperm parameters and restored morphometric variations, including epithelial height.

Conclusions

Quercetin supplementation alongside lead exposure showed a potential for ameliorating degenerative changes caused by lead toxicity in the testicles. This cotreatment effectively reduced oxidative stress, cytokine levels, inflammatory mediators, and restored biochemical alterations, thereby improving morphometric parameters.

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Title: Ameliorative potential of the quercetin on lead-induced testicular damage: morphohistometric and biochemical analysis
Author: Hesham N. Mustafa
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Cytokines
Testosterone
Published in: African Journal of Urology / Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 1110-5704
Electronic ISSN: 1961-9987
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12301-023-00369-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Ameliorative potential of the quercetin on lead-induced testicular damage: morphohistometric and biochemical analysis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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