The Effect of Grape Seeds Ethanolic Extract On Telomeres Activation Against Cadmium - Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Male Rats

نوع المستند : المقالة الأصلية

المؤلفون

1 Nutrition and Food Science Dept., Faculty of Home Economics, Helwan University

2 Pharmacology Dept. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Cairo University

المستخلص

         Telomeres are protective DNA sequences at chromosome ends, essential for maintaining genomic stability and reproductive function. Cadmium (Cd), a toxic environmental pollutant, induces oxidative stress, telomere shortening, and testicular dysfunction. Grape seeds extract GSE, rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins, possesses potent antioxidant properties and may counteract Cd-induced reproductive damage. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into five groups (n=8): first group as negative control fed on basal diet only, group 2 as positive control and from group 3 to group 5 fed on basal diet and were injected intraperitoneal with a single dose of 1 mg/kg bw of CdCl2 dissolved in 0.9% saline for one month to induce sexual dysfunction in male rats. After 4 weeks’ positive groups (with testicular dysfunction) fed on basal diet only and from (3-5) groups with testicular dysfunction fed on basal diet and giving orally grape seeds extract at 200 mg/kg.bw, 400 mg/kg.bw and 800 mg/kg.bw, for 4 weeks. At the end of the experimental period (2months), several parameters were assessed. Results: Cadmium exposure caused significant oxidative stress, decreased testosterone levels, impaired sperm quality, shortened telomeres., on the other hand at 400 and 800 mg/kg, significantly activities of liver enzymes including (ALT, AST), lipid profiles including (TG, TC, LDL-c, LDL-c, and HDL-c levels), total serum testosterone level including (Total testosterone and sperm count) had significant improve in groups with testicular dysfunction fed on basal diet and  given orally grape seeds extract. Also   groups (with testicular dysfunction fed on basal diet and given orally grape seeds extract at dose (400and800mg/ kg. bw) showed significant increase Casepase3 pcr , STAR pcr genes and  on the sperm morphology analysis compared to positive group (with testicular dysfunction) and fed on only basal diet. Conclusion: Grape seed extract exhibits protective effects against cadmium-induced testicular dysfunction, likely through its antioxidant properties, ability to modulate telomerase activity and gene expression. GSE may serve as a valuable preventive nutraceutical in mitigating environmental toxin-related reproductive damage and promoting genomic stability.

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