The effect of coadministration of α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid on arsenic trioxide-induced testicular toxicity in adult rats.

BACKGROUND

Arsenic, acting as an endocrine disruptor, causes reproductive malfunctions. Studies have been undertaken to find out whether the co-supplementation of α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid (AT-AA) could reduce the arsenic-induced testicular toxicity caused by oxidative stress and resulting DNA damage.

METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats (120±10 g) were given arsenic trioxide [3 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) per day] for 30 consecutive days and the supplement group received α-tocopherol (400 mg/kg b.wt. per day) and ascorbic acid (200 mg/kg b.wt. per day). Reproductive functions were evaluated with respect to the histoarchitecture, gametokinetic activity, androgenic potential, glutathione-dependent antioxidant status and DNA damage of the testis.

RESULTS

Arsenic treatment caused marked reduction in the relative weight of the testis (p<0.05) but showed no effect on body weight. The number of germ cells at stage VII of the spermatogenic cycle (p<0.01), the seminiferous tubular diameter (p<0.001) and Leydig cell nuclear area (p<0.01) were significantly reduced. Notable decrease in the activities of testicular Δ5, 3β-HSD (p<0.05) and 17β-HSD (p<0.01) with a concomitant fall in serum testosterone level (p<0.01) along with significant diminution in testicular glutathione S-transferase (p<0.05) activity and reduced glutathione level (p<0.01) were observed. Significant DNA damage (p<0.001) in spermatogenic cells was also noted. All these alterations including DNA strand breakage were seen to be protected with the coadministration of AT-AA.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that the protection of testicular toxicity in arsenic-exposed adult rats is possible with combined coadministration of AT-AA.