The protective effect of vitamin E against genotoxicity of lead acetate intraperitoneal administration in male rat

Abstract

Lead is an industrial pollutant that may exert specific toxic effects on male mammals. The aim of this study was to investigate further the protective effects of vitamin E on lead acetate (Pb)-induced reproductive toxicities and genotoxic effects on male rats. Sexually mature male Wistar rats (weighing 120-160 g) were given Pb (20 mg/Kg) and vitamin E (600 mg/kg/rat) orally for 20 days. The sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, chromosomal aberrations, FSH, LH and testosterone levels, and histopathological changes in the testes of the rats were investigated after 20 days. Results revealed a statistically significant (p<0.01) increase in the number of abnormal sperm in treated animals. Lead acetate increased the percentage of chromosomal abnormalities. A significant decrease in LH, FSH and testosterone were observed in the treated group compared to the control. Pathological examination of testicular tissues showed degenerative changes of spermatogonia and spermatocytes to advanced degeneration and vacuolation. Lead acetate can be considered to have an environmental genotoxic and cytotoxic effect in the male rat and may contribute to a reduction of fertility. Vitamin E administration could reduce the genotoxic effect of lead in somatic and germ cells.

Keywords

• lead
• genotoxicity
• chromosome aberration
• vitamin E