Combined effects of vitamin E and vitamin C supplementation on cadmium induced testicular morphology and oxidative stress

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental and industrial pollutant that affects the male reproductive system. Exposure to cadmium metal is known to induce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) like superoxide radical, hydroxyl ion and hydrogen peroxide. Vitamin E is a lipid phase antioxidant & Vitamin C acts as a potent water soluble antioxidant by scavenging reactive oxygen species. The purpose of present study was to investigate the protective role of combined therapy of vitamin E & vitamin C on cadmium induced testicular damage. Animals were segregated into following 4 groups; Control(0.9% saline treated), Pre-treated control(Vit E & C treated in combination), cadmium treated(0.5mg/kg bw injected), pretreated with vitamin E(100mg/kg bw) & vitamin C(30mg/kg bw) for 30 days prior to cadmium treatment.. After the desired protocol, rats were sacrificed & testes were removed for biochemical & histopathological evaluation. The levels of lipid peroxides (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) & superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected in the tissue homogenates of rat testis. The level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) was high & GSH & SOD were low in cadmium treated rats compared to normal control. Pre-treatment with vitamin E & C in combination showed a protective effect by decreasing LPO & increasing GSH & SOD level. Present study showed the morphological changes like atrophy of tubules, edema &decreased spermatogenesis in the testis of rats. Pre-treatment with antioxidant showed the protective role against cadmium testicular damage. Pre-treatment with vitamin E & C combination was beneficial in protecting the testis from cadmium induced toxicity.