Protective Role of Vitamin E Against Cadmium Chloride Induced Testicular Damage in Rats

Cadmium is a most toxic heavy metal and an environmental pollutant. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant role of vitamin E in cadmium chloride (Cdcl2) induced testicular toxicity in rats. .Male wistar albino rats (n=6/group) were divided into control group (saline injected), untreated experimental groups (Single dose of 1mg and 2mg/kg BW, intraperitonially), and pretreated experimental group (Vitamin E +cadmium chloride). Testicular weight, testicular tissue level of lipid peroxidation, Reduced glutathione(GSH) and superoxide dismutase( SOD) were estimated in all groups. Intoxication of cadmium produced a significant decrease in the testicular weight (P<0.001), superoxide dismutase & GSH level (P<0.001) when compared to control group. Further, a significant increase in testicular lipid peroxidation (P<0.001) was observed in cadmium treated group when compared to control group. Pretreatment with Vitamin E prior to cadmium administration restored the level of SOD and GSH. Testicular weight was also normal in pretreated groups. Moreover, Vitamin E was capable of reducing the level of lipid peroxidation in the testis. Therefore, the present study suggests that cadmium exposure can lead to oxidative damage in the testicular tissue in rats and pre-treatment with vitamin E can protect the testis from oxidative damage induced by cadmium chloride. (JPBS 2009;Volume 22 No.2:12-16)