Protective Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Cadmium-Induced Testicular Damage in Male Rabbits

The present study was designed to investigate the potential protective effect of Coenzyme Q10 against the testicular toxicity of cadmium in male rabbits. Four groups of animals were used in this study (control, Coenzyme Q10, cadmium chloride-treated (5 mg/kg), cadmium chloride plus Coenzyme Q10 (10 mg/kg) for 30 days). Results showed normal testicular tissue in control and coenzyme Q10 groups. Histopathological observations of cadmium chloride group showed severe damage in testicular tissue such as atrophy in many seminiferous tubules, vacuolations and cellular debris. The germinal epithelium was sloughed off and the spermatogenic cell layers were disturbed. Morphometrical data displayed significant decrease in both seminiferous tubules diameter and the counted number of the different spermatogenic cells. Additionally, testosterone and luteinizing hormones level were decreased. Coenzyme Q10 co-treatment to the cadmiumadministered rabbits reduced testis histopathological changes and increased the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormones. The present study suggests that coenzyme Q10 may be ameliorate testicular damage due to cadmium toxicity.