Lead is a highly prevalent heavy metal pollutant in human and animals which has various toxicological effects on the different organs including reproductive system on particular aspect the male testis. Lead (Pb) exposure enhances the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which negatively affect testis structure and functions. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of garlic supplement on daily basis and its prophylactic possibility against lead acetate induced testicular dysfunction. Thirty two adult male rats were divided to four groups, eight animals per each. All animals were maintained under standard laboratory conditions with free access to suitable diet and water supply. The 1st group was supplied with water and diet and kept without further treatment as a negative control. The 2nd group was treated by lead acetate( 50mg/L) daily in drinking water as a positive control. The 3rd group was administered commercial garlic powder preparation only (200 mg/kg b.w.) by stomach tube. The 4th group was co-treated with lead acetate in drinking water plus garlic in same doses by stomach tube. Then, all animals were scarified after 42 days for clean excision of epididymis and testes. Semen was collected and analyzed for count, motility and viability. Testicular tissues sections were prepared, stained and examined. Oxidative stress markers, SOD and MDA were determined in testicular tissue homogenate. Immunostaining was carried out on sections of testicular tissue for detection of proapoptotic markers caspase-3 and Bax expression. Finally, the level of expression of Bcl-2 and P53 genes was measured in testicular tissue samples as well. The data summary obtained from co treated group signified the protective effect of garlic against potential lead acetate induced undesired testicular apoptosis.
Key words: Lead toxicity, apoptosis, male rat, testis, garlic
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