Deterioration of reproductive performance and seminal plasma biochemistry in male rats due to aluminum exposure

Aluminum (Al) comes in a variety of forms and is a known environmental xenobiotic that causes cytotoxicity and reproductive toxicity via the release of free radicals. Antioxidant properties of propolis have been widely recognized. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine whether or not propolis may mitigate the harmful effects of aluminum chloride (AICI3) on male rat reproductive function. The first group was used as a comparison. The second group was given 34 mg iara-3 per kg of body weight (1/25 LD50). The third group received 50 milligrams of propolis per kilogram of body weight every day. The fourth group received both AICI3 and propolis.

Seventy days of treatment were completed. The effects of AICI3 on male reproductive function were reflected in a diminution in testicular, seminal vesicle, and epididymal weights as well as sperm concentration, motility, testosterone, and 17-ketosteroid reductase, cytochrome P450 (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) activities. In contrast, TBARS levels were found to be elevated in sperm and testes that had died or were aberrant. Histopathological analyses indicated obvious changes in the testes of the AICI3 treatment group, where significant lesions were produced in the seminiferous tubules. Testosterone, glutathione, 17-ketosteroid reductase, catalase, and glutathione were all enhanced, while the number of dead and defective sperm was lowered. The results demonstrated that propolis counteracted the negative effects of AICI3.