RESUMO
Diabetes, an unresolved metabolic disorder, and lead contamination are prevalent problems in contemporary society. Previously, we have reported that either diabetes or lead exposure resulted in reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether diabetic rats exposed to lead demonstrate a higher degree of reproductive toxicity when compared with lead-exposed control rats. Diabetes was induced by injecting a single dose of streptozotocin (50 mg per kg body weight). Control and diabetic rats were exposed to lead at a concentration of 819 mg L-1 (0.15% lead acetate) through drinking water for a period of 30 days and assessed for reproductive and oxidative end points. The relative weights of the testes, epididymis, seminal vesicles, and the prostate gland were significantly decreased in diabetic rats. Daily sperm production, epididymal sperm count, motile, viable and HOS-tail swelled sperms, serum testosterone levels and testicular 3ß- and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity levels were significantly decreased in diabetic rats. Significant reductions in testicular and epididymal antioxidant enzyme activity levels and glutathione levels were observed in diabetic rats with an elevation in the levels of superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxides, and lipid peroxidation. A significant reduction in the number of implantations associated with elevated pre- and post-implantation losses was observed in females mated with diabetic males. Mild histopathological malformations were observed in the testis of the diabetic rats. Similar reproductive and oxidative toxicities were observed in lead-exposed control rats. Furthermore, lead exposed diabetic rats showed additional deterioration in reproductive end points and a noteworthy elevation in oxidative toxicity, suggesting that treatment with lead exacerbates reproductive toxicity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
RESUMO
The present investigation demonstrates Couroupita guianensis flower buds extract mediated synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Instant formation of AgNPs was primarily confirmed by the appearance of yellowish brown colour and characteristic silver SPR band in the UV-visible spectrum. Elemental and crystalline natures of the AgNPs were identified from EDX and XRD pattern, respectively. Spherical morphology and the mono-disparity were revealed from TEM and AFM images. The particle size ranged from 5 to 30 nm and average size of 17 nm was consistent in XRD, TEM and AFM measurements. Possible reduction and stabilizing agents, viz., phenolics, flavonoids and proteins were identified from the characteristic FTIR peaks representing their functional groups. The strong antibacterial activity of synthesized AgNPs against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria exhibited the potential for the formulation of synergistic bactericides by combining antibacterial properties of Couroupita flower buds extract and silver salts for biomedical applications.
