Protective effects of zinc against testicular dysfunction, oxidative stress, and disturbances in biochemical,...

One well-known hazardous pollutant that damages testicles in both humans and animals is chromium hexavalent (CrVI). It has been established that zinc (Zn) is essential for spermatogenesis. Thus, the current work examines how Zn might shield rat testis from the detrimental effects of CrVI. Twenty-eight male rats were assigned to four groups the first was the control group; the second was given zinc sulfate (Zn; 1 mg/kg BW); the third received hexavalent chromium (CrVI; 2.5 mg/kg BW); and the fourth served as the protective group (Zn was given 60 min before CrVI). All treatments were given orally every day for four weeks. According to the results, rats intoxicated with CrVI exhibited a considerable decrease in body weight, enzymatic antioxidants, reduced glutathione, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3β HSD, and 17β HSD), aminotransferases, and acid phosphatase activities, and a significant increase in the oxidative stress profile (TBARS, H₂O₂, PCC, XO, and NO). Testicular Bax, Cas-3, Bcl-2, Beclin-1, Nrf2, hormone levels, sperm quality, histopathological, and P53 immunohistochemical examinations were also shown to have significant changes compared to the control. Besides that, Zn pretreatment before CrVI intoxication improved the architecture of testicular tissue and P53 expression. Also, it significantly restored the majority of biochemical and molecular markers compared to the CrVI group. Additionally, oxidative stress indicators showed a notable change in response to individual Zn intake compared to the control. In conclusion, Zn significantly protects against CrVI-induced testicular failure, making it a unique strategy for processing heavy metal poisoning.