Protective Effects of Baicalein against Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Testes

This study explored the protective effects of baicalein on cadmium induced oxidative stress and morphological changes in rat testes. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into four groups: control group, CdCl2-treated group (2 mg/kg.b.w), Baicalein-treated group (100 mg/kg.b.w), CdCl2+Baicalein-treated group (2 mg/kg.b.w CdCl2 and 100 mg/kg.b.w of baicalein). They were treated accordingly for 4 weeks. Body weight, relative weight of the testes, and morphological changes of the testes were assessed. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Results showed that cadmium decreased the body weight, and relative weight of the testes. In cadmium-treated rats, the spermatogenic cells in the testicular seminiferous tubule showed disordered arrangement and structure, and their levels were unclear. Furthermore, cadmium increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px, decreased GSH levels, and increased MDA content in the testes, indicating cadmium-induced oxidative stress. However, baicalein treatment increased the body weight and relative weight of the testes and prevented cadmium-induced testicular damage. Treatment with baicalein reversed the cadmium-induced changes of the antioxidant defense system. Therefore, as an effective antioxidant, baicalein protects testes from cadmium-induced oxidative stress and injury. (C) 2019 PVJ. All rights reserved