Quercetin Abates Aluminum Trioxide Nanoparticles and Lead Acetate Induced Altered Sperm Quality, Testicular Oxidative Damage, and Sexual Hormones Disruption in Male Rats

This study examined the effects of exposure to lead acetate (PbAc) and/or aluminum trioxide nanoparticles (Al(2)O(3)NPs) on testicular function. Additionally, the probable reproprotective effects of quercetin (QTN) against Al(2)O(3)NPs and PbAc co-exposure in male Sprague Dawely rats were assessed. Al(2)O(3)NPs (100 mg/kg b.wt.), PbAc (50 mg/kg b.wt.), and QTN (20 mg/kg b.wt.) were orally administered for 60 days. Then, spermiogram, histopathological examinations of the testis and accessory glands, and immunohistochemical detection of androgen receptors (AR) and tumor necrotic factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were achieved. Moreover, serum levels of male sex hormones and testicular levels of antioxidant indices were estimated. The results showed that Al2O3NPs and/or PbAc caused significant sperm abnormalities, testicular oxidative stress, and histopathological changes. Furthermore, serum testosterone, LH, and FSH levels significantly decreased, while estradiol levels significantly increased. The Al(2)O(3)NPs and/or PbAc co-exposed group had more obvious disturbances. Furthermore, QTN co-administration significantly reversed the Al(2)O(3)NPs and PbAc-induced testicular histopathological alterations, reduced antioxidant defenses, and altered AR and TNF-alpha immune expression in testicular tissues. Conclusively, Al(2)O(3)NPs and/or PbAc evoked testicular dysfunction by inducing oxidative injury and inflammation. However, QTN oral dosing effectively mitigated the negative effects of Al(2)O(3)NPs and PbAc by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation and improving the antioxidant defense system.