ABSTRACT
The ameliorative effect of graded doses of Telfairia occidentalis seed oil extract on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity was investigated on 36 male rats in a group of 6 rats each. Group 1 served as control (C), group 2 received Cadmium (Cd only), group 3 received extract only E1000, group 4 received Cd + E250, group 5 Cd+ E500 and group 6 received Cd + E1000. Cadmium (4mg/kg bwt) was given subcutaneously on day 1 and the animals were sacrificed after 28 days. The in-vitro antioxidative properties (Total antioxidative capacity, Reducing power capacity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-Picryl hydrazl scavenging capacity), Phytochemical, Proximate, Physiochemical property, Vitamin E content and its oral LD50 were investigated. Serum and Testis cholesterol, testis and prostate antioxidant (Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) and Malondialdehyde were also analysed. Others are testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and sperm parameters (Sperm count and Motility). The result shows that the extract has high antioxidant properties, Vitamin E content, Phytochemical, Proximate, and Physiochemical property, whose LD50 > 5000 mg/kg bwt. Serum and Testis cholesterol of Cd was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than control, E1000 and E250 and 500.
Testis and prostate SOD and CAT were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in Cd only relative to other treated groups. Testes MDA level was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in Cd only relative to the C, E1000, and E500 treatment group. Testosterone and LH level were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the Cd group. Treatment with E250 and E500, significantly (P < 0.05) increased these parameters. Sperm count and motility were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in Cd only, however, treatment with E500 increased these parameters.
The histopathological studies of the Testis of Cd only show a severe tubular distortion with necrosis when compared with other groups and the prostate was not affected. The photomicrograph of the sperm cells revealed that there was an alteration of sperm cells in Cd only and other treatment groups. This study shows that T. occidentalis seed oil is safe and 500 mg/kg bwt of extract effectively protects the testes of rats against the toxic effect of Cd.
