P-6: Protective Effects of Green Tea Extract on Lead-induced Damage in Mouse Testis

Background: Lead is a heavy metal that has been known for its adverse effects on many body organs and systems and. In the present study, the protective effect of green tea (GTE) on the male reproductive system following the administration of lead (pb) was investigated. Materials and Methods: Forty male NMRI mice were divided into four groups of 10 animals each. Controls, GTE treated, pb treated and pb + GTE treated. The rats received pb (1%) orally in drinking water. GTE (100 mg/ kg) was coadministered daily intraperitoneally. After 6 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and testes were removed and processed for light microscopy. Blood samples were evaluated for biochemical parameters. The data has been compared using statistical methods (SPSS, ANOVA, p<0.05). Results: The results showed a significant reduction in the body and testicular weight, Sertoli and Leydig cell population with a significant increase in blood lead level and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in Pb treated groups compared to control. GTE, however, significantly reduced these adverse effects of Pb. By histological analysis, germ cell damage was greatly attenuated by green tea extracts coadministration. Additionally, green tea significantly increased the plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in both groups GTE and GTE +pb compared to the control group. Whereas no significant reduction were observed in pb group. Conclusion: It is concluded that the green tea can has protective effect on lead induced testicular toxicity.