Veterinary Research Forum

Protective effect of the bee bread on cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Volkan Koşal 1
Turan Yaman 2
Çağlar Okulmuş 3

1 Department of Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Türkiye

2 Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Türkiye

3 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Türkiye

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2024.2044169.4509
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic environmental pollutant known to cause severe damage to the male reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of bee bread (BB), a natural product with anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, against Cd-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats. A total number of 32 rats were divided into four groups, including control, BB (0.50 g kg-1), Cd (5.00 mg kg-1), and Cd + BB (5.00 mg kg-1 and 0.50 g kg-1, respectively) groups. Administrations via oral gavage were performed for 4 weeks. Semen analysis revealed significant reductions in sperm motility and density along with increases in abnormal and dead sperm ratios in the Cd and Cd + BB groups compared to controls. Histopathological examination showed severe degeneration and desquamation of germ cells, tubular atrophy, and a decrease in spermatozoa in the Cd-treated groups. Polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated up-regulation of apoptotic markers (caspase-3, -8, and -9) and oxidative stress enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) in the Cd group, signifying disrupted testicular function. The BB administration partially mitigated Cd-induced damage as evidenced by less severe histopathological changes and moderated gene expression alterations. However, the protective effects of BB were not sufficient to completely counteract the toxic impact of Cd. The present study concluded that while BB had potential in reducing Cd-induced testicular toxicity, its protective efficacy was limited, warranting further research to explore its therapeutic potential in combination with other protective agents.

Keywords

Bea Bread
Cadmium
Rat
Sperm
Testis
Subjects
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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 17, Issue 3
March 2026
Pages 169-174

  • Receive Date 31 October 2024
  • Revise Date 03 December 2024
  • Accept Date 25 December 2024

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