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Fluoride Exposure Aggravates the Testicular Damage and Sperm Quality in Diabetic Mice: Protective Role of Ginseng and
1Department of Zoology, Bangalore University, Bangalore, 560 056, India.
Abstract:
Fluoride toxicity is known to pose infertility in fluoride-intoxicated animals as well as in people residing in fluoride endemic zones. The present study addresses the degree of impairments caused due to co-exposure of high fluoride toxicity in diabetic mice. Swiss mice, Mus musculus, were subjected to fluoride toxicity by providing fluoride-supplemented drinking water (600 ppm NaF) for a period of 30 days after the confirmation of streptozotocin-induced diabetes(STZ, 50 mg/kgbw). Consequently, aggravated hyperglycemia and tissue fluoride accumulation were witnessed in fluoride-intoxicated diabetic mice; later, these toxicated mice were treated with ginseng extract (GE) and banaba leaf extract, (BLE) at dose of 150 mg/kgbw/day alone and in combination for 15 and 30-day duration to check the efficacy of phytoextracts in reversing the toxicity. The spermatological indices studied, such as sperm density, motility, viability and morphology as well as the testicular biochemical parameters showed enhanced impairment in reproductive status of fluoride-intoxicated diabetic mice. Further, 15-days administration of GE and BLE in combination at a dose of 150 mg/kgbw/day was found to be beneficial in normalizing the alterations observed upon fluoride intoxication to diabetic mice. However, the correlates showed moderate association between blood glucose levels and the spermatological as well as biochemical indices wherein the tissue fluoride levels correlate least.
Insights
High fluoride exposure worsens diabetes-related infertility in mice. Combined ginseng and banaba leaf extracts helped reverse these reproductive impairments, showing potential therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive toxicology
- Endocrinology
- Environmental health
Background:
- Fluoride toxicity is a known reproductive hazard.
- Diabetes mellitus can exacerbate toxicological effects.
- The combined impact of fluoride and diabetes on male reproductive health requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of co-exposure to high fluoride and diabetes on male reproductive parameters in mice.
- To evaluate the efficacy of ginseng extract (GE) and banaba leaf extract (BLE) in mitigating fluoride-induced reproductive toxicity in diabetic mice.
Main Methods:
- Diabetes was induced in Swiss mice using streptozotocin (STZ).
- Mice were exposed to 600 ppm sodium fluoride (NaF) in drinking water for 30 days.
- Subsequent treatment involved administration of GE and BLE (150 mg/kg/day) alone and in combination for 15 or 30 days.
- Evaluated parameters included spermatological indices, testicular biochemical markers, blood glucose, and tissue fluoride accumulation.
Main Results:
- Fluoride-intoxicated diabetic mice exhibited aggravated hyperglycemia and increased tissue fluoride levels.
- Significant impairments in sperm density, motility, viability, and morphology were observed.
- Testicular biochemical parameters also showed enhanced deterioration.
- Combined 15-day administration of GE and BLE demonstrated beneficial effects in normalizing these alterations.
Conclusions:
- Co-exposure to high fluoride exacerbates reproductive impairments in diabetic mice.
- Combined ginseng and banaba leaf extracts show promise in reversing fluoride-induced reproductive toxicity in diabetic conditions.
- Blood glucose levels moderately correlate with reproductive and biochemical indices, while tissue fluoride levels show minimal correlation.
