Aluminium-Induced Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis and Alterations in Testicular Tissue and Sperm Quality in Wistar Rats: Ameliorative Effects of Curcumin

Objective Reproductive toxicity is a major challenge associated with aluminum (Al) exposure. No studies have evaluated the possible effects of curcumin (CUR) on Al-induced reproductive dysfunction. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of CUR treatment on Al-induced reproductive damage. MaterialsAndMethods In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats were allocated to five groups (N=8): to receive no treatment (control), solvent (dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or distilled water), CUR 10 mg/kg body weight (BW), Al chloride 10 mg/kg BW, or both CUR and Al chloride (10 mg/kg BW each alone). Treatments were performed by intraperitoneal injections for 28 days. The left testis was assessed for histopathological analysis as well as the incidence of germ cell apoptosis (by the TUNEL method). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey’s test was used. P