1,2Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Sciences, Tikrit University, Iraq.
Corresponding author Email: ramueps50@st.tu.edu.iq
Lead is one of the most striking environmental health issues because of its well-established toxic effect on male reproductive system, especially through oxidative stress and hormone imbalance. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the protective potential of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dried apricot fruit extract against lead-induced reproductive toxicity in male albino rats. A total of 35 male rats were equally divided into seven groups (n = 5 in each group) as; control, lead acetate-treated and animals treated with DHEA and/or dried apricot fruit extract for a period of 35 days. Serum 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), reproductive hormones (ICSH, SSH and testosterone), and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) were detected by enzyme ELISA. Pathological analysis of the testicular tissue was also conducted. Lead acetate exposure induced significant elevation in oxidative DNA damage, disruption of antioxidant enzyme activities, disruption of reproductive hormone levels, and histological changes with impairment of spermatogenic tissue and seminiferous tubules degeneration. However, treatment with DHEA and dried apricot fruit extract alone and in a more efficient way along with each other resulted in marked improvement in these biochemical as well as histopathological parameters. In brief, DHEA and dried apricot fruit extract exert protective effects against lead-induced reproductive toxicity, which is probably attributed to antioxidant defense improvement and the maintenance of the structure and function of testis.
Keywords: Lead acetate, Dehydroepiandrosterone, Dried apricot fruit extract, Oxidative stress, Male reproductive toxicity.
How to cite this article: Mustafa RA, Razooqi QA. Dehydroepiandrosterone and dried apricot fruit extract as protective agents against lead-induced reproductive toxicity in male albino rats. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(8s): 143-148; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.8s.25
Source of support: None.
Conflict of interest: None