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Effect of Melatonin and Ginseng on rat testis and sperm quality against cadmium toxicity via inhibiting oxidative stress and autophagy pathways.

Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)
April 1, 2025
Nashwa Barakat et al. (4 authors)
Journal ArticleAnimal Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to determine whether Panax Ginseng (Korean Ginseng) could prevent cadmium-induced testicular toxicity and improve sperm quality in rats.

Results Summary

Ginseng significantly improved sperm concentration, motility, and viability, reduced oxidative stress markers (NO, MDA), and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT). It also inhibited apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy markers in cadmium-exposed rats.

Population

Male rats exposed to cadmium.

Effective Dosage

100 mg/kg (oral gavage).

Duration

8 weeks.

Interactions

None mentioned.

Extracted Claims (7)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
Cadmium
decrease
sperm parameters
rats
-
significant decrease
#1
Melatonin and Ginseng
increase
sperm concentration, motility, and viability
rats
-
significantly increased
#2
Cadmium
decrease
SOD and CAT activities
rats
-
significant decrease
#3
Cadmium
increase
NO and MDA levels
rats
-
increase
#4
Melatonin and Ginseng
increase
SOD and CAT activities, NO and MDA levels
rats
-
significantly improved
#5
Melatonin and Ginseng
decrease
apoptosis, inflammation and autophagy markers
rats
-
significantly inhibited
#6
Melatonin and Ginseng
decrease
testicular toxicity induced by Cd
rats
-
reduce
#7
Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Infertility constitutes a significant global health concern. Cadmium (Cd), a hazardous element, exerts deleterious effects on the reproductive system. Consequently, it is essential to devise novel pharmaceutical strategies to mitigate this adverse effect. Melatonin is linked to the regulation of spermatogenesis across several animals. Ginseng is recognized for its antioxidant capabilities and has shown superior clinical efficacy in male reproductive health. This study aimed to inspect the preventive effects of Melatonin (Mel) and Ginseng (Gin) on the quality of epididymal sperm, as well as testicular function and structure, in rats subjected to cadmium exposure. METHODS: Forty rats were allocated into four equal groups: Control group, Cadmium group: Rats were injected with 2.0 mg/kg, Melatonin group: animals were injected with 10 mg/kg and Ginseng group: Rats were oral gavage with 100 mg/kg. All treatments were maintained for 8 weeks. Testes were taken for histopathological examinations, sperm parameters analysis, biochemical and molecular studies. RESULTS: The results revealed a significant decrease of sperm parameters in Cd group compared to the control group. Nevertheless, treatment with Mel and Gin significantly increased sperm concentration, motility, and viability compared to Cd group (p < 0.05). Besides, Cd treatment caused a significant decrease in SOD and CAT activities and an increase in NO and MDA levels which was significantly improved with Mel and Gin administration (p < 0.05). Apoptosis, inflammation and autophagy markers were significantly inhibited with Mel and Gin treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin and Ginseng reduce testicular toxicity induced by Cd, via inhibiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy providing novel insights into combating cadmium toxicity.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
MaleAnimalsMelatoninAutophagyCadmiumTestisPanaxOxidative StressSpermatozoaRatsRats, WistarAntioxidants
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality75/10
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score1.25
Normalized Score0.69