Human sperm quality and metal toxicants: protective effects of some flavonoids on male reproductive function

ABSTRACT

Background: Metals can cause male infertility through affection of spermatogenesis and sperm quality. Strong evidences confirm that male infertility in metal-exposed humans is mediated via various mechanisms such as production of reactive oxygen species [ROS]. Flavonoids have antioxidant and metal chelating properties which make them suitable candidates for neutralizing adverse effects of metals on semen quality. In the current study, we have evaluated the effects of five types of flavonoids [rutin, naringin, kaempferol, quercetin, and catechin] on recovery of sperm motility and prevention of membrane oxidative damage from aluminum chloride [AlCl3], cadmium chloride [CdCl2], and lead chloride [PbCl4]