Ameliorative Effects of Zinc on Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress and Semen Parameters in Testicular Cells in Male Wistar Rats

Testicular cell toxicity can be a resultant effect of exposure to environmental pollutants such as lead (Pb) through mechanisms including oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine disruption, thereby impairing male reproductive function. This study evaluated the protective effect of zinc on lead-induced oxidative stress and its impact on testicular histoarchitecture and sperm parameters in male Wistar rats. Sixteen adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=4/group): Control (2 ml/kg distilled water), Lead (20 mg/kg lead acetate), Zinc (20 mg/kg zinc sulfate), and Lead + Zinc (20 mg/kg of each). Treatments lasted 8 weeks. At the termination of the study, animals were euthanized according to ethical guidelines, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture, and testes were subsequently excised for semen analysis. Lead exposure significantly reduced all seminal parameters (p < 0.0001), while increasing lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and reducing antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase) (p < 0.05). Zinc supplementation alone or with lead significantly improved these parameters (p < 0.05). Histological analysis showed disrupted testicular architecture in the lead-only group, while zinc co-treatment preserved normal seminiferous tubule structure. Zinc may have a therapeutic effect in the management of lead-induced oxidative stress and reproductive damage in male Wistar rats, through its antioxidant effect.

Key Words: Lead toxicity; Zinc; Oxidative stress; Sperm parameters; Wistar rats