Cadmium-induced lipid peroxidation and changes in antioxidant defense system in the rat testes: protective role of coenzyme Q(10) and vitamin E

Reprod Toxicol. 2010 Apr;29(2):191-7. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2009.11.009. Epub 2009 Dec 1.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10), 20mg/kg) and Vitamin E (Vit E, 20 IU/kg) alone or in combination against cadmium (Cd, 0.4 mg/kg) induced lipid peroxidation and changes in antioxidant defense system in the rat testes. The obtained results showed that Cd increased lipid peroxidation in the testes, suggesting that Cd-induced oxidative stress, while CoQ(10) and Vit E treatment reversed this change to control values. Acute intoxication with Cd was followed by significantly decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GR and GST). Vitamins C and E concentrations also significantly declined in Cd-exposed rat testes. Treatment with CoQ(10) and Vit E reversed Cd-induced alterations of antioxidant defense system and significantly prevented Cd-induced testes damage. These results suggest that both CoQ(10) and Vit E function as a potent antioxidant in protection of rats testes against the oxidative stress induced by Cd.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Cadmium Chloride / toxicity*
  • Drug Antagonism
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Oxidoreductases / drug effects
  • Oxidoreductases / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Testis / drug effects*
  • Testis / metabolism
  • Ubiquinone / pharmacology*
  • Vitamin E / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Ubiquinone
  • Vitamin E
  • Oxidoreductases
  • Cadmium Chloride