Sodium fluoride-induced testicular toxicity in rats: the possible modulatory effect of quercetin

ABSTRACT

To Investigate the possible modulatory effects of quercetin [QE] against sodium fluoride [NaF]-mnduced testicular toxicity in rats and to highlight the underlying mechanisms of such protection. Forty adult male rats were classified into four groups; group [I] was served as control. Group [2] was administered NaF [20 mg/kg/day for 30 consecutive days]. Group [3] was received QE [IS mg/kg/day for 30 consecutive days. Group [4] was received QE 24 h prior to NaF administration for 30 consecutive days. Significant decreases in the normal relative testes weight, testicular lactic dehydrogenase [LDH-x] isoenzyme activity, sperms count and motility as well as daily sperm production were observed. The association of NaF-induced testicular toxicity with oxidative stress cascade was also investigated. Significant elevation in testicular level of salondialdehyde [M DA] accompanied with marked reductions in reduced glutathione [GSH] content and superoxide dismutase [SOD] activity were shown. Treatment with QE prior to NaF revealed marked mitigations in the studied functional parameters of the testes. In addition, the lowered activity of SOD and GSI-I content in the testicular tissue were elevated. The high level of MDA lended to be normalized. The data showed the capability of QE to ameliorate NaF-induced testicular toxicity through its antioxidant potential