Egg white hydrolysate prevents reproductive impairments induced by cadmium in rats

Abstract

Here, we investigated the ability of an egg white hydrolysate (EWH) to counteract the reproductive toxic effects induced by Cd in rats. 3-month-old male Wistar rats were treated for 14 days: (a) Untreated group (distilled water i.p.); (b) Cd group (CdCl2 at 1 mg/kg body weight i.p.); (c) EWH group (1 g/kg body weight/day per gavage); (d) CdEWH group (CdCl2 with EWH). Cd exposure was able to be accumulated in testis and epididymis, increasing oxidative stress and compromising sperm quality and daily sperm production. Co-treatment with EWH prevented increased deposition of Cd in testis (Untreated: 0.04 ± 0.02; Cd: 4.68 ± 1.03*; EWH: 0.01 ± 0.00; CdEWH: 1.85 ± 0.25# μg Cd/g dry tissue p < 0.05; *vs Untreated; #vs Cd), prevented reduction of sperm motility and the increased oxidative stress. Therefore, EWH could represent a powerful natural alternative to protect the male reproductive system against Cd-induced toxicity.

Keywords

• Egg white hydrolysate
• Antioxidant
• Cadmium
• Oxidative stress
• Reproductive system